Unless the tax is sooner paid in full, it shall be a lien for four (4) years from the date of filing the return upon the gross estate of the decedent when an estate tax return has been filed with the commissioner, but in cases where no estate tax return is filed the lien shall remain in full force and effect for ten (10) years from the due date of the return unless the tax is sooner paid in full; except that such part of the gross estate as is used for payment of charges against the estate and expenses of its administration allowed by any court having jurisdiction thereof shall be divested of such lien. If the commissioner is satisfied that the tax liability of an estate has been fully discharged or provided for, he may issue his certificate or waiver releasing any or all property of such estate from the lien herein imposed.