All Property Tax Sales From 1995 to 1997 Might Be in Flux

According to a report in The Advocate, Royal International Petroleum Corp. (Ripco) is readying to challenge a 1st Circuit Court of Appeal decision that allowed a delinquent property tax payer more than the statutory period of three years to redeem his property. Ripco's attorney, Charles Blaize says that "last week's 1st Circuit opinion, if upheld, could undermine all tax sales across the state from 1995 to 1997." Ripco had purchased a Baton Rouge house valued at $70,000 for $71.68 in a 1995 tax sale after the homeowner went delinquent on his taxes. The homeowner then let the three-year window for redeeming the property lapse, but the 1st Circuit annulled the sale, finding that the homeowner should have another chance to keep the property because the Sheriff failed to provide the required notice of the redemption rights. The case is expected to go to the Louisiana Supreme Court. The homeowner is represented by attorney Danny McGlynn.

Posted by Capital Clerks at March 11, 2005 12:45 PM