What are the consequences if I do not pay the taxes on a home destroyed by flood?
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What are the consequences if I do not pay the taxes on a home destroyed by flood?
I own a residence that has been inundated by a recent flood. I do not plan on trying to fix it back up; I am waiting for the county to hopefully take it through a flood mitigation project. In the meantime, do I still have to pay taxes on the destroyed house and property?
Asked on May 14, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you do have to pay taxes. If you do not,
1) the government will be able to foreclose on your property--property can be seized for non-payment of real estate taxes;
2) you could also be sued for the unpaid taxes, and if sued, your wages could be garnished.
The fact that you are voluntarily choosing to not fix up your property and are hoping it will be taken through a flood mitigation project in no way entitles you to not pay your taxes.
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