What happens now?

[BatedBreath]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

We sold our house in Monroe County over 3 years ago. We now live and own a home in Northampton County.

Recently, we received a letter from Monroe county indicating we did not pay our transfer tax for the house when we closed on it in 2000. It amounts to around $1700 or something. I called the title company wondering what happened because there was clearly a tax paid in the settlement. I was told the property tax was paid but not the house. When I said we sold the house years ago, the girl told me not to worry about it because there was nothing the county could go after.

Is there any truth to that?

In all honesty, I can't afford to pay the tax. At least not right now. What should I do, if anything?

 

[PghREA]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

We sold our house in Monroe County over 3 years ago. We now live and own a home in Northampton County.

Recently, we received a letter from Monroe county indicating we did not pay our transfer tax for the house when we closed on it in 2000. It amounts to around $1700 or something. I called the title company wondering what happened because there was clearly a tax paid in the settlement. I was told the property tax was paid but not the house. When I said we sold the house years ago, the girl told me not to worry about it because there was nothing the county could go afte

Is there any truth to that?

In all honesty, I can't afford to pay the tax. At least not right now. What should I do, if anything?

Property taxes include county tax, school tax and your local municipal tax. These taxes are paid on a yearly basis and are prorated to the date of closing when you sell.

Transfer taxes are paid when you sell you home. 1% is paid to PA and a percentage (it varies) is paid to your local municipality. The seller is responsible for paying 1/2 of these taxes (per the PAR agreement of sale).
The settlement company is responsible to collect and pay these taxes.

You need to talk to a settlement officer at the closing company (not the girl who answered the phone.)

 

[HomeGuru]

I agree, the girl was filing her nails at the time.

 

[BatedBreath]

Let me clarify. It was part of the transfer tax that went unpaid at the time I purchased the home back in 2000. Not when I sold it. When it was purchased, we bought the land and had a house built on it. The whole transaction was handled (Poorly, at that) by the mortgage company, who ended up ripping us off. According to the nail filer, only the land portion of the transfer tax was paid but the house was not.

When I told her the county was demanding their money, she said something to the effect of "What can they do? There's nothing for them to secure." That made me wonder if I should really pursue anything.

My original post alluded to property taxes, which have nothing to do with this inquiry. They were all paid while I was living there. I don't know if that changes your response but I hope my situation is clearer.