Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Seller Won't Pay His Share of Property Tax
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Old 07-26-2020, 10:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Footer View Post
The closing company estimates the taxes based on the previous year and prorates for the closing settlement. Seller and Buyer sign a document that says if the actual taxes differ they will be re-prorated between the parties upon demand.

In my case the taxes were significantly higher than the estimate and the Seller owes me $2,000. I provided paperwork to my realtor, who forwarded to Seller's realtor who forwarded to Seller. I also contacted the Seller's ex- girlfriend and she spoke with him. However the Seller has not responded. It's been 9 months. Obviously he has no intention of reimbursing me for his share of the taxes.

The Seller is not a Florida resident but did buy another house in The Villages.

Just looking for opinions, advice, comments.
There has to be some material facts missing in this story. Property taxes are obviously estimated since they only come due at the end of the year. They are estimated based on mill levy times the property value.

Did you do a major improvement project such as a pool or room addition? That increases value which increases the tax.

I've never seen a document that calls for "re-proration" as you called it. Check your HUD-1 settlement statement and you will see a credit for the seller's portion of responsible taxes.