Vicente "VINNIE" Enriquez, REALTOR® - ANSWERS TO YOUR PROPERTY TAX DEBT

situation to prevent a tax sale of your house is to find a middle ground with the tax collector. You can try reaching a compromise, requesting an abatement, or receiving a deferral. Certain homeowners can reduce the amount of property tax they need to pay based on income, age, personal status or disability, depending on their state’s property tax abatement (e.g. reduction) or exemption programs. Older homeowners, veterans, and the surviving spouse of a police officer or firefighter are examples of those who may be entitled to a property tax reduction. Homeowners will need to provide proof of their eligibility and apply for the abatement. In some states, abatement isn’t possible if you’re already delinquent in your tax payments. The exception is that you could qualify for a repayment plan or deferral, in which you can postpone paying the taxes if you meet eligibility requirements. Many states allow the taxing authority to compromise on the amount of taxes due or to waive penalties and interest.

REDEMPTION

After a tax sale has occurred, the homeowner could still redeem the property. The property owner has the right to redemption, where they pay the entire sale price, plus specific additional costs and interest, to reclaim the property. The homeowner can use this right after the sale if it’s within the redemption period allowed by the state. Where the taxpayer doesn’t redeem within the prescribed time, the purchaser acquires the title of the property. The property tax delinquency foreclosure process, as well as the tax sale, is different from one state to another. Therefore, consider seeking the help of a local professional when trying to better

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