Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

I know our previous owner owes $ in taxes. We were told this at closing but not an exact amount. My lawyer held $ in escrow at closing to cover this. He is supposed to be helping us find out the amount which I am getting the run around with. No one knows how much. They were getting discounts they shouldn't have, like enhanced star and veterans. Now I called my a#@ lawyer 3x and he is avoiding my calls. I want some sort of $ to cover these taxes but the tax people say I might not get the bill for 2 years cause it takes that long for them to find out who owes! I am upset cause I think my lawyer no longer has the escrow $ or doesn't want to deal w/ this. I am SO upset! What do I do?

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

I didn't know you could sell a property that had back taxes due... I am curious to see how this turns out for you!

Why doesn't the tax collector know whats owed to them?

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

I have never heard anything like that! That really sucks. But I think by law the lawyer has to keep $$ in escarow. Otherwise you can go after the sellers and the attorney. I don't understand why the tax collectors wouldn't just go after them and not you. That doesn't make any sense to me.

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

I guess the sellers told the lawyer they were getting exemptions they werent supposed to and didn't know how much they owe? The tax people don't catch it til 2 years from now. I talked to so many people in the assessmet and tax offices. It will get added on to the anual taxes I pay now. I am getting these exemptions now also so we will owe $ too.

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

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Posted by jms100303

I have never heard anything like that! That really sucks. But I think by law the lawyer has to keep $$ in escarow. Otherwise you can go after the sellers and the attorney. I don't understand why the tax collectors wouldn't just go after them and not you. That doesn't make any sense to me.

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I know! I will go after my lawyer if he doesn't act soon!!!!

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

Do you mean to tell me that you have to pay the remaining taxes due that the previous owner was supposed to pay?

Please say NO!

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

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Posted by tray831

Do you mean to tell me that you have to pay the remaining taxes due that the previous owner was supposed to pay?

Please say NO!

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I wish I could say no. Even the guy that worked in the tax dept said this happened to him. He owed the previous owners tax $ cause they don't find out about it til 2 years later. They just add it on to the current tax bill.

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

I would speak to your lawyer (or a new one) - is it possible to go after the previous owner for the money? They are the folks who were cheating the government (and you).

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

Its scary how rediculous this world is??

Please fight it with all you can--be very very snotty and persistent--they cant get away from taking extra money from you, they just cant!- Dont take No for an answer.......fill us in.....let us know the outcome.

Why cant they just track the previous owner down and make him pay--I'm sure he didnt flee the country.....

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

This sounds very strange to me...you should also call your title company. They would have to certify your title based on the fact that taxes were paid OR that X amount was owed and being held in escrow.

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

Thanks for the responses. I am not going to let them make me pay. I'll do whatever I can. I think I got a letter at closing that stated the amount in escrow. I have to check that.

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

The amount due and owing on property taxes should have been listed in the title report.

If the county is investigating it, then you should not be responsible for this. They are investigating the previous owners.

As far as your attorney, get in touch with him or her. If not available, talk to someone in the accounting department. Tell them the situation and ask about balances in the escrow account. If they do not get back to you. Call the Nassau County (you're in Levittown right?) Bar Association and report this attorney for stealing funds in escrow - he could be disbarred.

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

Totally call the Bar Association! This is BS! Your lawyer should be working this out for you!

I can't believe you are going through this, it's horrible!

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

When we brought our house our title company found that taxes were owed on the house and the previous owners paid the taxes before we went to contract with them.

And i work for a lawyer and deal with escrow all the time. It is illegal for your lawyer to take that money out for any reason and they can be disbarred if they do. I would cause quite a ruckus if he does not speak to you.....lawyers don't like to hear abotu disbarrment.

Sorry you are going through this - this is so ridiculous.

Re: Has anyone got billed for taxes a previous owner owed?

Ok...update. I have called my lawyer 3x since and he is always conveniently out or on the phone. I am so mad right now. He hasn't called me back!!! I am getting the $ some way or another. I have no idea why he won't call me back. This is so shady!