I filed Chapter 7 January 3rd, 2011 and the Chapter 7 was discharged in March 2011. I had a house that I surendered in the Chapter 7. I no longer live in the house but in an apartment and the bank, US Bank Home Mortgage has yet to complete their formal forclosure on the property and take possession of it. I just received a bill from Indian River County, Florida for this years taxes in the amount of $476. The house was part of the Chapter 7 which has been discharged but my name is still on the county documents as being the owner in spite of the chapter 7 and due to the bank not having completing their process. Am I obligated to pay these property taxes and if I don't, what is repercussions might I face? Can they make me legally pay these taxes and what are my options? This just isn't right or fair and they should not be able to legally hold me responsible for these taxes.
1 Answer from Attorneys
If your chapter 7 bankruptcy included the mortgage and the bank has initiated foreclosure, you have no obligation to pay the taxes. Many persons experience similar situations in this era
with the slow foreclosure actions. The county has a right to pursue ultimate payment of the
taxes against the owner of the property which will result from the foreclosure. But you are
not responsible for the taxes.