Note: BCP Real Estate is not a law firm and its employees/owners are not acting as your attorneys. The information contained on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.
This is one of the most common worries we hear, and it’s a fair one. You’ve learned that a relative’s property has years of unpaid taxes, and now you’re afraid you’re personally expected to write a check for all of it. The reassuring reality is that these taxes work differently from a personal bill, and you have options that don’t involve draining your own pocket.
Property taxes in Texas are attached to the property itself, not created as a personal debt that you took on. The lawsuit to collect them is aimed at the property. So while the unpaid taxes are a real problem for whoever owns the property, that’s not the same as you being personally required to pay a debt you never created. Questions about your specific exposure are best confirmed with an attorney, but most people in your position discover the fear is bigger than the actual personal risk.
More importantly, you don’t have to pay the back taxes to get free of the situation. If you sell the share that passed to you, the taxes go with the property to the buyer. You’re not paying them off yourself, and you’re not stuck holding the bill. Instead of spending money to escape, you typically walk away with something, and your name comes off the lawsuit. The taxes become the buyer’s responsibility, not yours.
A couple of quick questions:
Am I personally required to pay the unpaid taxes? The taxes are attached to the property, not a personal debt you created, and the suit targets the property. An attorney can address your specific situation, but you don’t have to pay them yourself to get out.
How do I avoid the tax bill entirely? By selling your share. The buyer takes on the back taxes, so you’re not the one paying them, and your name comes off the lawsuit.
If you’re looking to remove yourself from a lawsuit and get paid for your interest, no cost to you, call or text us at (469) 708-8003 for an offer today.
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