If I pay 1/2 of my property tax bill, expecting my spouse to pay the other half and they don't, what happens?

Question

If I pay 1/2 of my property tax bill, expecting my spouse to pay the other half and they don't, what happens?

Answer 1

The government doesn't care who pays it, they just want their money!  Maybe (assuming you are married), you could both contribute a little bit at a time into a savings account that is dedicated to that bill. Each of you would contribute the same small amount every month or biweekly or whatever. I personally have a portion of my paycheck dumped into a savings account that i use for vacation and prop tax usage.

Answer 2

You will receive a penalty on the unpaid amount.  If the other half is not paid then your county treasurer will sell it to a tax buyer like me and I will pay it.  Later, I will file papers in your county courthouse and get a lien on your house.  Then if your try to sell your house or refinance your mortgage you can't because you have to pay me off with interest plus court filing fees.  Also, you will pay me back certified mailing fees.  If the bill is not pay then the interest accumulates.  After the redemption period passes and your tax bill still has not been paid then I will go to court and get your house.  Check your county treasurer's office to avoid all of this.

Answer 3

You certainly should communicate with you spouse about who pays what when.  Many states allow 2 installments due on specific dates.

If taxes go unpaid when due, interest is added, and if delinquent too long, you can lose the property.  See if your county has a website to show if taxes have been paid, or what happens if you don't (tax sale or tax lien sales).

Answer 4

The tax is due from the property not the owner.  If it is not paid, it remains a lien on the property until paid or the property is sold.

Answer 5

If the bill isn't paid in full, interest and penalties will accumulate, and eventually the house will be taken for back taxes.

Answer 6

Your tax bill will only be half paid and penalties will be added to the bill.   If the bill is not paid within some stated time period, they will put a lien on your house.