Okay, we sold a house in August of 2007. We had an escrow account that covered taxes and insurance that was supposed to be closed out at that time as well. We found out in January that it hadn't been completely closed out and the money had been sent to the insurance company, but we got a complete refund.

But the town taxes are a different story. The lawyer's office has a record of sending a check for the prorated tax amount in August to the town office, but it never cleared their account. I found out because I got an overdue tax ticket a few weeks ago. I had the lawyer's office send the check again. Well the check cleared and now I've gotten a tax bill for the remainder of the balance which is the taxes from August to December plus penalties and interest even though I didn't own the home!!! And I called the town office again and they told me they would send a bill to the new owner, but that my name couldn't be taken off the bill until he paid it. IT'S NOT MY BILL AND NOT MY HOUSE! So it looks like I didn't pay my taxes. And what if he doesn't pay it? Does that mean MY wages will be garnished?!

I hope I explained this well enough-sorry it got so long. But does this make sense to any of you???

It the deed info was changed over then the tax assessor just didn't do their job. Call your lawyer and get him to contact the assessors office. No they can't levy your wages or take anything from you. What they will do is place a levy on the house that you no longer own.

Did you use a title company? An escrow company? They are usually the ones who handle the title transfer. Does your state only have attorneys who handle home sales? Someone dropped the ball.

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Definately take this back to your closing attorney, it's their job to clear this mess up. They certainly charge enough to need to do all the work necessary to insure a clean title to the new owner. Taxes on real estate become liens on the property and to not attach themselves to people, so the tax issue will be on the title to your old house which is now someone else's problem should they try to sell the property.
Good luck - I know all this is stressfull.

It is always like that when you sell a home. The tax records are only updated once a year. You aren't responsible for the taxes, but your name is going to show on the bill for the year. I am assuming you bought another home and you have escrow, but had you gotten the bill for your new home it would have had the previous owners name on it. We got lucky on our former house b/c the previous owner was widowed and over 65, so our first tax bill was 1/4 of what it was for the next year. I wouldn't worry too much about it. I am sure the people will pay the bill once they receive it. And regardless the property isn't in your name anymore, so you aren't liable.