Is one responsible for liens/past taxes due when bidding on a property at a Sheriff's Sale in PA (Luz. Cnty.)

Answer 1

in most states, only liens that attached [were recorded] prior to the debt that is causing the sheriff's sale become the responsibility of the buyer. [Example: a sale because of a past due first mortgage wipes out any second mortgage -- the amount paid is applied to the first mortgage and only if there is excess (unlikely) will the second mortgage holder receive anything.]

HOWEVER -- past due taxes are a different matter. Unless the sheriff's sale is because of past due taxes, in most states, they'll still be due and collectible from the new owner under the usual laws and provisions.

If the sale is for past due taxes, usually taxes from the earliest year are paid first from proceeds and then the next year, etc.

AND -- you really need advice specific to PA
[I'm in Florida and our 'system' here is really whacky.]


GL

Answer 2

We don't have Luz.Cnty but here is another county and Im sure they are all following the State laws on your issues
Delinquent Property Tax Sales/Auctions Wayne County: http://www.co.wayne.pa.us/?pageid=39
Best of luck on your research