Alabama tax deed - deceased owner

[William W.]

I bought my first tax deed this morning at the courthouse auction. I’m going to refer to the owner of the property as ‘Mr. Larry’.

Mr. Larry was delinquent on three different properties, and I purchased the deed to one of them. After doing a bit of research I see now that Mr. Larry died June 2017. I am assuming the properties were left to his family members, since they are still living in all three of them. The total taxes for the property I bid on was $458, and due to a counter bid I ended up paying $1100.

I’m trying to figure out where to go from here since from my researching it seems the sale is likely void. Should I contact the tax assessors office tomorrow to try to get a refund of my money, or should I just let it play out and try to do an ejection after 6 months? Surely Mr. Larry’s sons got the tax notices since they are living at the address listed on the bill. I’m not exactly sure how I can claim possession if the sale was void?

[Denise Evans]

@Warren Currier, @William W., Mr. Currier's advice probably works well in Massachusetts, but not Alabama.  There is no Treasurer of the Town.  You contact the county tax assessor's office, or the revenue commissioner, depending on the county. They were not lame in doing their job. They have no responsibility to figure out who died, who got foreclosed on, who sold their property etc. The new owners are responsible for notifying the tax assessor's office.  Leaving a bad review will blow back on you, show you don't understand the process, and make enemies at the county level.  They don't have a problem. This is a simple administrative matter that comes up often. Don't stress about it.  Please read MY advice. I am the recognized expert in ALABAMA tax sales law, policies, and procedures.