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NFT: Need legal help.

wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 3:38 pm
Just found out that the people who gifted a mobile home to me were $11,000.00 behind in their taxes. Do I have to assume that debt? I am in Germansville, Pa.
Thaats school taxes that date back to 2004.  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 3:40 pm : link
.
I would think so....  
The Natural : 8/27/2015 3:40 pm : link
tough luck.
Thought you meant property tax....  
The Natural : 8/27/2015 3:41 pm : link
not sure how school taxes are handled.
Did they give you the home, the land or both?  
ron mexico : 8/27/2015 3:48 pm : link
How did you establish legal ownership from them?

Are the people dead?  
pjcas18 : 8/27/2015 3:48 pm : link
if not why would gifting property to you make you liable for unrelated taxes?
They signed the title to the house over to me.  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 3:57 pm : link
I have to pay the rent on the land. They claimed they just wanted to stop paying the rent. Neither one had lived there for six months. School tax and property tax are in the same vein, no?
If you are paying rent on the land  
ron mexico : 8/27/2015 4:00 pm : link
I wouldn't think you would be liable for property tax.

Talk to a Pennsylvania lawyer  
njm : 8/27/2015 4:00 pm : link
You might have problems, but you should talk to someone who knows the answer as opposed to guessing at it.
Can't you just park it somewhere else?  
Shepherdsam : 8/27/2015 4:00 pm : link
.
I could park it somewhere else at a cost of about $3000.00  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 4:04 pm : link
to move it and they would still be able to garnish my wages. If that is in fact what they are going to do.
I know I have to see an attorney.  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 4:05 pm : link
I don't think I can afford not too. Just trying to get some idea what I am up against.
It blows me away that you have to pay property tax  
Shepherdsam : 8/27/2015 4:11 pm : link
on a rental property.
Shepardsaam  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 4:20 pm : link
That makes two of us. I was kind of shocked by that to be honest. However there are lots of kids here in the park who go to school. Also with all the money the school system spent on my kid, just for transportation alone, I can't complain.
Not the same  
NJGiantFan84 : 8/27/2015 4:28 pm : link
thing entirely, but a family member just bought a cabin in Pennsylvania through a foreclosure auction. The owner of the cabin passed away and did not have any remaining family, so the place went into foreclosure after payments were stopped. My family member did have to pay back taxes for the property.

NJGiants  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 4:40 pm : link
Not the same but sounds like the same logic. Right or wrong, fair or unfair, the state makes sure it gets paid from someone.
why don't you just sell it?  
pjcas18 : 8/27/2015 4:41 pm : link
is it worth 11k or more?

If so, sell it, pay the taxes and be done with it.
need legal advice  
Old Dirty Beckham : 8/27/2015 5:01 pm : link
and came to BBI?
My nephew just came home, he called 20 attorneys.  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 5:48 pm : link
They all agreed on one thing, I am screwed.
Call 5 dentists.  
Shepherdsam : 8/27/2015 5:51 pm : link

You're more likely to find a guy to go against the grain.
property taxes can be garnished in PA?  
stockton : 8/27/2015 5:56 pm : link
That doesn't sound right and isn't right in most of the country. Garnishing wages for property taxes? yea.....right
RE: It blows me away that you have to pay property tax  
Jim in Fairfax : 8/27/2015 6:11 pm : link
In comment 12438739 Shepherdsam said:
Quote:
on a rental property.

The property it sits on is a rental, but the home is owned. In all likelihood, the company that owns the land is paying the property taxes owed on the land from the rental fees paid. But the mobile home owners owe property taxes on the physical property -- the mobile home itself, which they own.

I find it unlikely that they could garnish his wages, but they could certainly place a lien on the mobile home.
Assuming they died  
Mike in Marin : 8/27/2015 6:16 pm : link
the estate would need to settle their debts first, I believe. You may not be responsible, but there might be nothing left over if they did not have other assets to (help) satisfy the debt.

So grab the mobile home and drive it across the Mexican border before Trump builds the wall (grin).
ahh..  
Mike in Marin : 8/27/2015 6:20 pm : link
reading again, it seems they are alive and only gifted it to you. It probably all depends if their is a lien on it, the timing of that and who knows about it. Why someone would give away something they apparently do not need, rather than pay a debt like that with the sale, is strange, and if there are strange/fishy circumstance, like they owed you money for illicit activity (not judging), then that falls into the "too good to be true and you are f#cked" category probably.
Is it a mobile home or  
ctc in ftmyers : 8/27/2015 7:29 pm : link
a manufactured home?

Depends on the state.

A mobile home is treated as trailer. Gets a licence plate like a car or trailer and considered such. Lot rent should include all taxes, water, and sewer.

Now if back lot rent is $11,000?, different story.

If you have lawyers telling you different. Go with them.



there's definitely some missing info here  
gidiefor : Mod : 8/27/2015 9:38 pm : link
renters aren't generally liable to pay RE Taxes
School Taxes either  
gidiefor : Mod : 8/27/2015 9:38 pm : link
.
He owns the mobile  
pjcas18 : 8/27/2015 10:03 pm : link
home (since it was gifted to him(, pays rent for the area of the trailer park where the mobile home exists.

Sounds like they gifted you the home  
Mike in Philly : 8/27/2015 10:13 pm : link
so the wouldn't have to pay the real estate taxes. With no assets, there's nothing for the taxing authority to pursue. If they were behind on their taxes, in all likelihood there is a lien on the mobile home, and you'll have to pay the taxes to clear the title.
You should give it back to them for Christmas.  
Shepherdsam : 8/27/2015 10:15 pm : link
.
I don't have an answer  
steve in ky : 8/27/2015 10:17 pm : link
but sorry you are having to go through this.
Your nephew  
Headhunter : 8/27/2015 10:30 pm : link
engaged 20 attorneys who took the time to listen to your nephew and they all agreed you were screwed? That was a hell of a conference call to get them all in a conference room or better yet on a conference call. What does this nephew of yours do?
RE: there's definitely some missing info here  
Jim in Fairfax : 8/27/2015 11:05 pm : link
In comment 12439169 gidiefor said:
Quote:
renters aren't generally liable to pay RE Taxes

There's no missing info. He rents the land. But he owns the mobile home that sits on the land. And you have to pay taxes on it just like any other home.
No one told me they would garnish my wages,  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 11:39 pm : link
it is however what I feared most. If they can and take to much, than I can'y hold this all together. It seems strange to me that with two people on the title they were unable to collect the taxes. If I now set up a payment plan as they wish, than I fear they will have no reason to pursue the two people who actually accumalted the debt.
Sorry I didn't answer this sooner, I was sleeping,  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 11:42 pm : link
have to go to New Jersey to work at a differant FC tommorow for overtime. Early start with the two hour drive. Thank you guys for your thoughts on this.
For better or worse this is my home now, atleast I think it is and  
wgenesis123 : 8/27/2015 11:50 pm : link
until today I was very happy to be here. I need to figure out how I can best ride this out. Life can throw some shit at you, this is partly my fault, I could have ducked by doing a title search.
A little  
ctc in ftmyers : 8/28/2015 7:56 am : link
research this morning shows that Pa. treats mobile homes as fixed structures and thus the applicable taxes for the trailer are applied to the owner of the trailer.

You got it for $11,000.00. If it's worth it, take out a loan against it payoff the back taxes.

Could workout to your advantage.

Talk to your tax pro.
Link - ( New Window )
What is your relationship to the people that gifted it to you?  
steve in ky : 8/28/2015 9:27 am : link
Maybe you could talk to them and explain the bind that they put you in on the odd chance they offer to help with some of it. Or if there is no relationship you could threaten to take them to small claims court even though you likely wouldn't have a case they may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer and be willing to settle with you on part of the taxes to avoid. Some types of people just want to avoid a courtroom at all costs. It may be worth a shot, even if a long one.
RE: A little  
Sarcastic Sam : 8/28/2015 9:38 am : link
In comment 12439419 ctc in ftmyers said:
Quote:
research this morning shows that Pa. treats mobile homes as fixed structures and thus the applicable taxes for the trailer are applied to the owner of the trailer.

You got it for $11,000.00. If it's worth it, take out a loan against it payoff the back taxes.

Could workout to your advantage.

Talk to your tax pro. Link - ( New Window )


What about houseboats? Could he just call it a drydocked non-waterproof houseboat?
RE: RE: A little  
steve in ky : 8/28/2015 9:47 am : link
In comment 12439625 Sarcastic Sam said:
Quote:
In comment 12439419 ctc in ftmyers said:


Quote:


research this morning shows that Pa. treats mobile homes as fixed structures and thus the applicable taxes for the trailer are applied to the owner of the trailer.

You got it for $11,000.00. If it's worth it, take out a loan against it payoff the back taxes.

Could workout to your advantage.

Talk to your tax pro. Link - ( New Window )



What about houseboats? Could he just call it a drydocked non-waterproof houseboat?

I'm sure it has a title with a description. You can't simply call something what it isn't to avoid taxes.
I feel like we are..  
FatMan in Charlotte : 8/28/2015 10:04 am : link
either being continually trolled here or you are a guy who can't handle many life decisions.

Aren't you the one wondering if you should give your daughter $100 or in gift certificates instead?
RE: RE: RE: A little  
ctc in ftmyers : 8/28/2015 10:07 am : link
In comment 12439656 steve in ky said:
Quote:
In comment 12439625 Sarcastic Sam said:


Quote:


In comment 12439419 ctc in ftmyers said:


Quote:


research this morning shows that Pa. treats mobile homes as fixed structures and thus the applicable taxes for the trailer are applied to the owner of the trailer.

You got it for $11,000.00. If it's worth it, take out a loan against it payoff the back taxes.

Could workout to your advantage.

Talk to your tax pro. Link - ( New Window )



What about houseboats? Could he just call it a dry docked non-waterproof houseboat?


I'm sure it has a title with a description. You can't simply call something what it isn't to avoid taxes.


If you read the link supplied, it specifies "anchored" by water, sewer, electricity, etc. You can call it whatever you want. That's not the criteria they use.
RE: I feel like we are..  
steve in ky : 8/28/2015 10:19 am : link
In comment 12439704 FatMan in Charlotte said:
Quote:
either being continually trolled here or you are a guy who can't handle many life decisions.

Aren't you the one wondering if you should give your daughter $100 or in gift certificates instead?


I believe he is sincere
RE: A little  
gidiefor : Mod : 8/28/2015 10:31 am : link
In comment 12439419 ctc in ftmyers said:
Quote:
research this morning shows that Pa. treats mobile homes as fixed structures and thus the applicable taxes for the trailer are applied to the owner of the trailer.

You got it for $11,000.00. If it's worth it, take out a loan against it payoff the back taxes.

Could workout to your advantage.

Talk to your tax pro. Link - ( New Window )


Hey -- now that's interesting -- NY hasn't caught onto this little trick yet
Yep  
ctc in ftmyers : 8/28/2015 10:42 am : link
Sounds like they are collecting property taxes on the land and the trailer.

Two bites at the apple?

Unless I'm reading that wrong. Which is completely possible.
Likely, even.  
Shepherdsam : 8/28/2015 12:48 pm : link
.
RE: Likely, even.  
ctc in ftmyers : 8/28/2015 1:51 pm : link
In comment 12440020 Shepherdsam said:
Quote:
.


Been more to happen than not. No argument here.
RE: What is your relationship to the people that gifted it to you?  
MetsAreBack : 8/28/2015 2:01 pm : link
In comment 12439600 steve in ky said:
Quote:
Maybe you could talk to them and explain the bind that they put you in on the odd chance they offer to help with some of it.



Maybe i'm missing something here but wasnt this mobile home gifted to the OP? Why in effect would these other people actually PAY the OP to live there, which is your suggestion?

I dont know ... I'm with FMIC ... this sounds like one of those "Nigeria uncle" stories -- hope you didnt give these people any cash or account numbers.
I believe he is sincere as well  
ron mexico : 8/28/2015 2:11 pm : link
and this is not trolling or scamming

I'm guessing the donors were aware of the back tax issue and thats why they dumped it on him

I don't know if it is trolling..  
FatMan in Charlotte : 8/28/2015 2:45 pm : link
but I think this is the same poster who came to the board asking if he should give his daughter $100 in gift cards for her birthday and the discussion dissolved into a trainwreck about the state keeping the girl in a foster home by breaking her glasses and forcing her to fail tests.

Now there's a trailer home saga.

It is sad both ways. If this is sincere, then the dude is really poor at making life choices and if it is fake, he might as well be hanging out with Rich Houston.
RE: Yep  
Jim in Fairfax : 8/28/2015 3:49 pm : link
In comment 12439791 ctc in ftmyers said:
Quote:
Sounds like they are collecting property taxes on the land and the trailer.

Two bites at the apple?

Unless I'm reading that wrong. Which is completely possible.

It's not two bites at the apple. If you own a house look at your property bill. There are two components you are taxed on: land and structure. Your tax goes up when put a structure on it. And your tax increases if you improve that structure with additions and renovations.

A mobile home situation is just dividing up the elements of the property tax. This is done because there are different owners of the land and the structure.
remember KCabMI?  
Greg from LI : 8/28/2015 3:51 pm : link
Whole lotta similarities there
RE: RE: Yep  
ctc in ftmyers : 8/28/2015 6:21 pm : link
In comment 12440310 Jim in Fairfax said:
Quote:
In comment 12439791 ctc in ftmyers said:


Quote:


Sounds like they are collecting property taxes on the land and the trailer.

Two bites at the apple?

Unless I'm reading that wrong. Which is completely possible.


It's not two bites at the apple. If you own a house look at your property bill. There are two components you are taxed on: land and structure. Your tax goes up when put a structure on it. And your tax increases if you improve that structure with additions and renovations.

A mobile home situation is just dividing up the elements of the property tax. This is done because there are different owners of the land and the structure.


Jim

Different states have different statutes. In Florida, you can't replace a "mobile home" once it is done.

Getting rid of mobile home parks as they should. Not there are manufactured home parks which are different.

Two different animals.

Just went through it for my friend's, who just pasted away, family. As much as we wanted to give it to someone who really could have used it, it was much easier to give to title to the trailer park and let them deal with it as an abandoned trailer.

The states have many different rules. Here, it's lot rent pays the property taxes.

I pay my father-in-laws expenses. Believe me, trailer parks are a dying animal.
RE: RE: What is your relationship to the people that gifted it to you?  
steve in ky : 8/28/2015 7:42 pm : link
In comment 12440147 MetsAreBack said:
Quote:
In comment 12439600 steve in ky said:


Quote:


Maybe you could talk to them and explain the bind that they put you in on the odd chance they offer to help with some of it.




Maybe i'm missing something here but wasnt this mobile home gifted to the OP? Why in effect would these other people actually PAY the OP to live there, which is your suggestion?



They gifted him something which was in tax arrears for 11k without informing him of the fact. Basically they stuck him to get out from under the debt. I am saying that is may be worth a shot pursuing them in one or two ways depending on his relationship with them.
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