Francesca1605

We finally closed on a property in July 2013 but have just received a 2013 Property Tax statement, for the whole year - are we liable for the whole year, has anyone else had this problem, or can I get it adjusted for just the 5 months since July?

old.sparkles

Hi Fransesca and welcome to BE

I've moved your post over to the USA section as the welcome inn is generally just for introducing yourself

But no problems - there should be plenty of members who will be able to offer some help and advice. Congrats on the new home

notonuksoil

Not sure about Texas.

We closed on our house in NY in August and on the closing statement from the attorney we only had to pay the taxes from the date of closing to the end of the year. We had to reimburse the seller with a cheque at the closing for the 4 months as the taxes were paid in April for the whole year.

robin1234

This is something you should have squared away with your attorney at the time of closing. As far as I know, the tax authorities expect the while year taxes to be paid by the owner of record. Part year payments need to be agreed by the parties before closing. (I live in New York State, though.)

Mr Weeze

This should be covered in the closing summary paperwork you signed and received. Give your realtor or finance person a call.

Michael

You should see a prorated credit on your closing statement similar to the following link.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1928...-closing-time-

If your property taxes are paid by escrow, that credit should be held by the bank's escrow account and monthly property taxes for the rest of the year should be part of your monthly mortgage payments paid into that account to pay the property taxes when due.

Yorkieabroad

As others have said, it should have been prorated on your HUD statement at closing. You should check to see that the correct values were used on the HUD vs the actual statement, because if not, some money may be due one way or the other. Or at least that's what we've always been told by the title company at closing, swiftly followed by a statement to the effect that it is a matter between buyer and seller and neither the title company nor the realtor have any obligation or liability. In practice, we've never had to make any further adjustment.

JohnsonAdam

As per my knowledge, the tax authorities expect the whole year taxes to be paid by the owner of record. Part year payments need to be settled by the both the parties before closing.

sir_eccles

Are you sure it's not a statement/assessment for next year's taxes?

Bink

As others have said it should have been covered in your closing documents.
I had proof that prorated taxes had been set aside as part of the closing and I only paid the prorated amount.

civilservant

mikelincs

would you happen to be someone who deals with property taxes?..

Bink

Funnily enough they are. Fancy that!

MsElui

Our property taxes are paid a year in arrears. So 2013 would be due to be paid in 2014.

md95065

Regardless of what should have happened and who should have paid what the OP needs to be aware of the fact that all that the local tax district cares about is that they get paid - if that doesn't happen on time then foreclosure proceedings are often not far behind

So - first make sure that whatever needs to be paid does get paid and then, if necessary, argue about it with the realtor / escrow company / seller or whoever you think should have paid some of it ...