Supreme Court Sides With 94-Year-Old Woman Whose Home Equity Was Seized by County

The Epoch Times Header

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a Minnesota county wronged a grandmother when it forced the sale of her condominium over an unpaid tax debt and kept the sale proceeds that far exceeded the tax she owed.

Critics call such a practice โ€œhome equity theft.โ€

The case came after Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) released a report late last year saying that 12 states and the District of Columbia allow local governments and private investors to seize dramatically more than what is owed from homeowners who fall behind on property tax payments.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the courtโ€™s opinion (pdf) in Tyler v. Hennepin County, Minnesota, court file 22-166, which was issued on May 25.

โ€œThe taxpayer must render unto Caesar what is Caesarโ€™s, but no more,โ€ Roberts wrote for the court.

Attorney Christina Martin of PLF, who represents dispossessed homeowner Geraldine Tyler, 94, told the court during oral arguments on April 26 that local governments should not be allowed to take the full value of a home as payment for much smaller property tax debts. PLF is a national not-for-profit public interest law firm that challenges government abuses.

Minnesota law allows counties to retain windfalls at the expense of property owners, and from 2014 to 2020, about 1,200 Minnesota residents lost their homes, along with the equity they held, for debts that averaged 8 percent of the homeโ€™s value, according to PLF.

Tyler owned a modest one-bedroom condominium in Hennepin County, but after she was harassed and frightened near her home, she moved to a new apartment in a safer neighborhood. The rent on her new apartment stretched her resources and she fell into arrears on her condoโ€™s property tax bills, accumulating about $2,300 in taxes owed, along with $12,700 in penalties, interest, and costs.

The county seized Tylerโ€™s condo, valued at $93,000, and sold it for just $40,000. Instead of keeping the $15,000 it was owed, the county retained the full $40,000, amounting to a windfall of $25,000, according to PLF.

Byย Matthew Vadum

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Columns

New USโ€“UK Trade Agreementโ€”What to Know

President Trump and British PM Starmer unveiled the broad outline of a new trade agreement hailed by Trump as a โ€œgreat deal for both countries.โ€

Oโ€™Keefeโ€™s BOMBSHELL Prince Andrew Raped Minors!

Reporter had on video a close confidant to Englandโ€™s Prince Andrew admitting Andrew had sex with multiple underage girls on Jeffrey Epstein held properties.

Medicaid Reform Proposals in Congressโ€“What to Know

As Republicans seek ways to cut federal spending, the...

China Ramped Up Fentanyl Precursor Production to Target US, Expert Says

Under U.S. pressure, the regime banned fentanyl production in 2019, but Chinese companies simply shifted tactics and shipped precursors to Mexico.

Does Trumpโ€™s Gain-of-Function Research โ€˜Banโ€™ Go Far Enough?

If the Trump admin can designate MS-13 a transnational terrorist organization, it can do the same with Moderna; itโ€™s only a matter of political will.

News

Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Adminโ€™s Conditions on Transit, Homelessness Grants for NY, Boston

Judge temporarily blocked Trump admin from imposing new conditions on grants funding Seattle transit services and homelessness services for some local govts.

Judge Blocks Trump Admin From Swiftly Deporting Illegal Immigrants to Libya

Federal judge blocked Trump admin from deporting illegal immigrants to Libya or any third country without notice and chance to claim protection under U.S. law.

FAA to Address Newark Airport Turmoil With Tech Upgrades, Staffing Push

FAA said it is taking immediate steps to address problems that have escalated flight delays and cancellations at Newark Airport in recent weeks.

Kari Lake Strikes Deal for OAN to Provide News Content to Voice of America

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) will begin using content from broadcaster One America News Network (OAN).

Fetterman Says New Claims About His Health Come From โ€˜Disgruntled Staffersโ€™

Speaking to CNN in an interview on Tuesday, Fetterman said he is doing fine and that the speculation about his health is โ€œreally invasiveโ€ to his privacy.

Intelligence Report Finds Minimal Ties Between Maduro, Tren de Aragua

NIC report seems to contradict President Trumpโ€™s claims that the gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) is coordinating with the Venezuelan socialist regime.

FDA to Meet on COVID-19 Vaccines

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials are going to meet soon to consider the next round of COVID-19 vaccines, the agency said on May 7.

FBI Arrests 205 Suspected Child-Sex Predators in 5-Day Sweep

Federal authorities arrested 205 suspects for allegedly targeting children for sex offenses, AG Bondi and FBI Dir Patel announced at news conference in DC.
spot_img

Related Articles