If house gets auctioned off for taxes, what if it does not make enough to pay the taxesoff?

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If house gets auctioned off for taxes, what if it does not make enough to pay the taxesoff?

Who pays the balance?

Asked on May 24, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Massachusetts

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

If a property is sold to pay off a lender - such as in a foreclosure action -  to pay a tax or utilities line - as it appears here, the amount that remains if there is not enough made from the sale is called a "deficit."   The party holding the sale can then get a "deficiency judgement" against the property owner.  This would be you I am guessing.  The judgement can be executed on or collected like any other judgement: wage garnishment, levy against personal property, etc.  May I suggest that you get some help here with all of this?  I am not sure exactly what can be done at this point in time but you may want to see if the deficiency can in any way be waived.  Good luck to you.


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