What is a property tax lien?

A property tax lien is a legal claim against a property when taxes due on that property have not been paid. A lien is usually placed on the property by a government agency, such as the county/city where the property is located, as a way to collect the unpaid taxes. It is important to note that in Pennsylvania, a tax lien is placed against the owner of the property and not the property itself, so if the property is sold, the lien is not transferred to the new owner. Once a property tax lien is placed on a property, the owner must pay the amount due, plus any interest and penalties, in order to remove the lien. If the lien is not paid, the government agency may sell the lien to a third-party lienholder, who may then file a lawsuit or foreclose on the property in order to recoup the unpaid taxes. Additionally, if the lien remains unpaid, the government may eventually be granted a deed to the property in order to satisfy the lien. In Pennsylvania, property tax liens are issued in accordance with the Pennsylvania Real Estate Tax Sale Law. This law sets out the procedures that government agencies must follow in order to place a lien on a property and recoup unpaid taxes. It is important for all property owners in Pennsylvania to stay up to date on their taxes in order to avoid having a lien placed on their property.

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