Moved out of Texas 20 years ago and now being sued for past property taxes

[turtle93562]

Twenty years ago in Texas my husband and I both lost our oil related jobs, our home, savings and credit rating. After losing everything one of my husband's friend in CA helped him get a job. We did own a vacant lot we could not sell because the neighborhood it was located in became a not too desireable place to live. Now 20 years later Texas wants to take us to court for 20 years worth of property taxes. We were under the impression the lot had been seized years ago for past taxes. My real question is what can Texas do to us since we cannot pay the taxes which are now 5 times more than the lot was every worth. Also we cannot afford a trip back to Texas for the trial. Can they issued an arrest warrant or attached our wages since we have never fully recovered from the lost and are still living from paycheck to paycheck. Just need to know what to expect.

 

[johnmckinney]

In Texas there is a limit on the length of time a tax suit must be filed - I believe it is somewhere around 4 - 7 years. Most times the land is seized and sold at a tax sale to cover the costs and from what I understand even if money is never fully recovered most entities do not choose to even file negative remarks on credit reports. It would be my recommendation to contact the local tax collector to receive a complete breakdown of what is owed and due. If the land was seized they cannot force you to pay taxes on property you do not own. I also have never heard of anyone being arrested or having their wages garnished.

May I ask what county this land was in?

 

[turtle93562]

This property is located in Harris County.