Supreme Court Rules Against Tax Surplus Seizure

Times of India · world

A 94-year-old Minnesota woman lost her condo over about $2,300 in taxes, but Hennepin County kept roughly $25,000 after selling it for $40,000. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled on May 25, 2023, that the government cannot seize surplus funds from a property sold to cover unpaid taxes. Chief Justice John Roberts stated the county could take property for debt but not keep additional value belonging to the owner. This decision addresses the broader issue of home equity loss when governments sell properties for tax debts.