Housing (Property Taxes)

HB 5197 shortens the time homeowners have to challenge a tax deed from two years to one year if they weren't properly notified of the sale. It requires anyone suing to set aside a tax deed to deposit full redemption funds with the court clerk before proceeding. The bill also strengthens the requirement that property purchasers must prove they made "reasonably diligent" efforts to notify potential owners before selling property at tax sale. These changes directly affect property owners who missed tax sale notices and tax deed purchasers seeking to secure title.

SB 584 shortens the required notice period for tax lien sales in West Virginia from 30 days to 15 days before a deed may be issued (amending §11A-3-55). It also reduces the time homeowners have to challenge a tax deed from two years to one year after the deed is delivered (amending §11A-4-4). The bill requires property owners seeking to contest a sale to deposit funds for redemption before court proceedings can begin. These changes directly affect property owners at risk of losing homes to tax sales and tax lien purchasers.