Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Texas

back local property taxes owed

Father in law passed away Dec 2004. Since 2003 property taxes on home have not been paid. Owe 3346.00 plus penalty fees. No will left. Not all siblings will help pay taxes or upkeep of home. My husband wants home and is willing to pay taxes but siblings will not sign over their portion in home. If they foreclose on home for taxes can my husband or any siblings buy it at foreclosure? And it be theirs then?


Asked on 3/25/08, 12:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kathryn Perales PMI Oil Tools

Re: back local property taxes owed

Anyone can buy the property at tax sale, but certain related people will be required to pay more than non-related people. For example, if you allow the property to be taken by the county, and then sold at tax sale, the county might accept an amount lesser than the taxes owed from an unrelated party. However, they are not likely to accept anything less than the full amount of taxes and court fees, etc. owed from a family member of the revious owner.

At the tax sale, the highest bidder will get the property, so long as the bid is high enough for the county. That new owner will get the property free and clear of any other owners or liens.

You should stay in close contact with the tax attorneys for the county and let them know what you want to do, so that they can keep you informed of dates and procedures.

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Answered on 3/27/08, 10:14 am


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