Researching property tax liens
Today's question comes all the way from England. Cassandra J., of the United Kingdom, is about to buy a home and is concerned about being stuck with someone else's back taxes.
Q: I am considering the purchase of a mobile home. How would I find information on tax liens (unpaid back taxes) and unpaid utilities on the property?
A: Generally we consider questions related to U.S. federal, state and local tax issues. But this topic is important for everyone to consider, regardless of your location.
A home is often the single largest purchase/expenditure the average person will make during their lifetime. It can be a fantastic investment...paying toward something you will own and will most likely continue to increase in value rather than paying rent each month, while also garnering income tax deduction benefits too.
But one also must be careful and thoughtful when purchasing a home. Due dilligence is critical.
When it comes to unpaid property taxes in the United States, those may become the responsibility of the new owner if a home is sold. Make sure you ask the seller whether there are unpaid taxes on the property, and then do a check of your own.
In most U.S. counties, the County Auditor is the place to check. These unpaid taxes are a matter of public record and documentation must be presented to you upon request. Most county auditors now how their own websites where you can learn more about a specific parcel's tax assessed value, semi-annual property tax bill and any unpaid/delinquent tax bills.
In the U.K., rules on unpaid taxes may vary from those in the U.S.
The Council Tax is the main form of local taxation in England, Scotland and Wales. It is paid by some residents to the local authority.
It was introduced in 1993 thanks to the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as a successor to the Community Charge or Poll Tax. The base for the tax is residential property.
Again, it is advisable to contact your county government regarding unpaid Council Tax bills. They will be able to share more information about a specfic property and may be able to answer your questions about the water bill as well.
The U.K. government also has council tax resources for your consideration.
Got a tax question? Send it to us!
Q: I am considering the purchase of a mobile home. How would I find information on tax liens (unpaid back taxes) and unpaid utilities on the property?
A: Generally we consider questions related to U.S. federal, state and local tax issues. But this topic is important for everyone to consider, regardless of your location.
A home is often the single largest purchase/expenditure the average person will make during their lifetime. It can be a fantastic investment...paying toward something you will own and will most likely continue to increase in value rather than paying rent each month, while also garnering income tax deduction benefits too.
But one also must be careful and thoughtful when purchasing a home. Due dilligence is critical.
When it comes to unpaid property taxes in the United States, those may become the responsibility of the new owner if a home is sold. Make sure you ask the seller whether there are unpaid taxes on the property, and then do a check of your own.
In most U.S. counties, the County Auditor is the place to check. These unpaid taxes are a matter of public record and documentation must be presented to you upon request. Most county auditors now how their own websites where you can learn more about a specific parcel's tax assessed value, semi-annual property tax bill and any unpaid/delinquent tax bills.
In the U.K., rules on unpaid taxes may vary from those in the U.S.
The Council Tax is the main form of local taxation in England, Scotland and Wales. It is paid by some residents to the local authority.
It was introduced in 1993 thanks to the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as a successor to the Community Charge or Poll Tax. The base for the tax is residential property.
Again, it is advisable to contact your county government regarding unpaid Council Tax bills. They will be able to share more information about a specfic property and may be able to answer your questions about the water bill as well.
The U.K. government also has council tax resources for your consideration.
posted by Scott at
11:47 AM
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