I notice some foreclosures have a tax lien, but most don't. I have heard that if the property

Question

We live in CA. I notice some foreclosures have a tax lien, but most don't. I have heard that if the property has a tax lien, then the person's credit is affected for 15 years. I have tried contacting the Tax people in the County, but they are useless. We are just curious if we don't pay our property taxes b/c we are facing foreclosure (because of a job loss and an illness, so please don't judge us) when will the taxes become liens against the credit, if ever?

Answer 1

All Real Property Taxes are liens in first position on real property & are in default when not paid by their due dates. After foreclosure, or during any property transfer (refi, sale, etc.) for that matter, all unpaid property taxes, whether due, in default or a tax sale, will be paid when the property is refinanced, sold, etc. On the other hand, Default of Personal Property Taxes (such as on a boat or motor home) will be referenced on Owners Real Property (refi, sale, etc) but are attached to owners name and not to their real property.  Any Unpaid Income Taxes (IRS, Franchise Tax Bd) will show on the credit report for a period of up to 10 years & then can be renewed if not paid off at that time.  

At any rate I feel for you and hope everything works out for you & your family :)