Who is Paying Property Taxes

Question

Hi Folks

I am trying to figure out who is paying taxes on a particular property. The the last deed recorded for the property has two deceased persons as the grantees.

The mailing address for the property points to a property that is owned by someone unrelated to the grantees.

The property is not in tax title and no liens have been recorded against the property. Someone must be paying the taxes.

Is there anyway to figure out who is paying the taxes? Is this public information?

Thank you

Rich Hupper · Answer

Thanks for the help everyone

I found my state equivalent FOIA law: Massachusetts Public Records Law (M. G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10)

I wrote my town tax collector an email requesting where the tax bill for the property is mailed and who pays the taxes if she has access to that information.

There is no mortgage on the property. the property was bought with cash in 1946 and according to the registry it was never mortgaged since then.

I agree with @Rick H. there is definitely someone with some interest in the property paying the taxes. Most likely a relative. If I don't get anywhere with the tax collector I am going to just continue to mail the property and hopefully get in touch with the person picking up the mail and paying the taxes.

Thanks again!

Ian M. · Answer

Send something to the mailing address. Just because they are unrelated doesn't mean they aren't paying the taxes. If they just passed away it could be how they set up their estate (it's either being handled by an unrelated person or different last name relative).  Or if any entity is involved it would almost definitely be a different address for privacy and legal protections.  (Not legal advice)

Lance Hulsey · Answer

@Rich Hupper What state? Massachusetts? You can call the local tax collector and they will likely tell you where the tax bill is being mailed.

Rich Hupper · Answer

Follow up to this post. The tax collector disclosed to me where the tax bill is being sent however told me that there was no way for her to find out who is paying it. Payments are made through the towns lockbox service and those payments never come to her.

This fine and dandy however I travelled to the address where the bill is sent and neither of the owners of record live there.

:(

Rick H. · Answer

You are all just speculating.

The fact is, you don't know. That's why the original post.

This is why I'm so ademant about people using the word "abandoned" when, in fact, it appears that someone does, in fact, care; at least enough to be paying the taxes. I sure as hell would not be paying the taxes on a property unless I was darn sure I had some claim or interest, even if title not transferred (yet).

I can give you a number of scenarios why someone WOULD be paying taxes. That may be the place to start. Perhaps it's a relative or a surviving spouse, ex-spouse, life partner, etc. They don't care about title (now) but somehow feel emotional obligated or erroneously believe they are legally obligated to pay.

This, of course, is just one speculative theory. I use many as I work these type cases.

Nope, I'm not going to do your FOIA homework for you.

Rich N. · Answer

Was the mortgage discharged?  Perhaps someone is auto paying the mortgage so no one has record it. You trying inquiring at the mailing address ?

Rich Hupper · Answer

@Rich Ng

I checked probate could not find any active or old cases. The property will definitely need probate unless a deed was conveyed at some point but was never recorded.

Rich N. · Answer

wonder if the two deceased are in probate or Will and meanwhile the tax is going to the unrelated person at that address that actually is related relative.

Rich Hupper · Answer

Hi @Rick H. thank you for the help. Can you elaborate on the steps I would need to take? Do I right a letter to the town tax collector stating I would like to use the freedom of information act to find out who is paying the taxes?

Or is there an online channel I would use to request this information.

Rick H. · Answer

Use the FOIA (Freedom of information Act) and request from county tax collector's office.

Copy of the payor's check would be ideal.

Who is Paying Property Taxes

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