Settling Taxes After Death

Real Estate Taxes

Taxes on property are levied on the land/building, not on the individual.

Just as with the sale or transfer of property among living persons, taxes are settled on real estate is during the transfer of that property at the closing. Taxes are paid from the price paid for the property ("proceeds") along with other fees, such as for the closing attorney.

If property is not sold, but instead is passed on via will or by joint tenancy, the new holder of the property should file a deed with the Recorder of Deeds and alert the Assessor's Office to any change in the mailing address for tax bills. It is a good practice to hire an attorney to draw up the deed transferring the property; city employees cannot perform this important transaction.

Vehicle Taxes

If the vehicle is part of the probated estate of the deceased, the excise taxes will be settled as part of the estate. If there is no probated estate, the vehicle tax is asssessed up to the date of death. To settle these taxes, please visit the Collector's Office with a copy of the death certificate to adjust and pay the balance.