Davis, Fielder, & Sylvia, PLLC
Attorneys At Law
Our Firm
The attorneys at Davis, Fielder & Sylvia, PLLC, Brandon Davis, Mike Fielder, and Daniel Sylvia, represent clients in various practice areas, including local government representation, delinquent tax collection, real estate and business transactions, wills, estate planning, and probate. Our offices are in Dayton and Liberty, and we serve clients in Liberty County, Chambers County, Harris County, and surrounding areas. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys.
Dedicated to Empowering & Protecting You
Outstanding Results For Outstanding Clients
Individual Success
Families, marriages separation and inheritances, tax residency, trusts and foundations.
Organizational Success
Success Informing, growing and protecting. governance, structures, finance, compliance, and taxation.
Asset & Wealth Protection
Protecting from the unthinkable. Be Informed and protected on families, life, succession, assets and wealth.
Complex Disputes & Litigation
Complex litigation or sensitive dispute resolution. Fearless litigators to defend or protect individuals and organizations.
FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
What happens when a tax becomes delinquent?
A tax becomes delinquent if not paid by January 31st of the year following its assessment. If unpaid by June 30th, a collection fee is added to the accruing interest.
From July 1st, the property is liable for legal collection efforts, often involving collection attorneys. Informal methods usually encourage payment, and interest continues to accrue until the tax is paid.
Eventually, a formal collection process begins based on various factors. A property’s long-term unavailability for purchase is usually due to business reasons.
What are the Timelines for the Lawsuit Process?
When legal action is needed, a lawsuit is filed in Liberty County court, with all relevant parties notified. This can take time, especially if defendants are hard to locate. Factors like bankruptcy or military service can delay proceedings. Despite efficient court staff, there’s a limit to cases processed at once.
Taxpayers may be allowed installment payments at any stage. If recovery efforts fail, the case may go to trial with a 45-day lead time. After judgment, there’s a 30-day appeal period before the property auction, which occurs on the first Tuesday of a month with prior notice.
This process, from default to auction, is lengthy and costly. Taxpayers have ample opportunity to settle debts and keep their property. Until the auction, no one else can acquire the property, regardless of interest or assistance.
What should I consider when Buying at the auction?
The auction process differs from private transactions. The highest bid must meet the lesser of the Central Appraisal District’s valuation or total taxes and lawsuit costs, which can be substantial.
The buyer must present a cashier’s check for the total bid within hours. The Sheriff’s conveyance offers no guarantees on title, boundaries, surveys, or occupancy. The buyer gets whatever interest the collection process yields.
The previous owner can reclaim the property by paying the bid plus future taxes and a 25% premium within the first year or 50% within the second year. For homes or agricultural properties, redemption is allowed within two years; for others, six months. Buyers should avoid adding value during this period.