Which of the following is NOT a type of private encumbrance that can be placed on ownership of real property?

Taxation is not a type of private encumbrance on ownership of real property but rather a governmental action that affects property rights. It is a public obligation that property owners have to pay taxes to their local, state, or federal government, which is based on the assessed value of the property. This financial obligation does not arise from an agreement between private parties but is imposed by law.

In contrast, covenants, liens, and easements are all types of private encumbrances. Covenants are agreements or promises that bind a property's current owner and future owners to certain conditions or restrictions regarding the use of the property. Liens, on the other hand, are claims against a property by creditors as security for a debt or obligation, giving them the right to take possession in case of default. Easements grant the right to use a portion of a property for a specific purpose, such as access to utilities or pathways, which also comes from private agreements or grants. Each of these encumbrances directly arises from private transactions or obligations between individuals rather than from government regulation or taxation.