New Hampshire resident recently found out that the government took his house while he was hospitalized following a stroke.
If you have unpaid tax debts, the government might take your home permanently—a scary thought, right?
John Jones (66), a retired house painter from Franklin, owes the city a bit over $5,000. The Franklin City Council seized his $50,000 home while he was recovering from a stroke.
Imagine paying over $30,000 for a house only to have it taken away for taxes. Jones called it a “scam” in an interview with the Concord Monitor. He felt helpless, saying, “That’s the way they do it. They don’t care.”
New Hampshire heavily relies on property taxes since they lack sales or income tax, putting people like Jones at higher risk of losing their homes for unpaid taxes.
Jones is not alone. Local data shows around 4,000 properties seized in similar circumstances of unpaid taxes in the state.
Jones, who hoped to spend his final days in his home, now faces uncertainty as a retired individual with limited income of $850 per month from Social Security.
Experts recommend such seniors have proper legal arrangements like power of attorney or healthcare proxy to avoid issues like Jones encountered due to his hospitalization.
Jones, with his partner Jessica Helfenstein, is now in the process of seeking assistance through programs like the Homeowner’s Assistance Program to navigate this challenging situation.
In difficult times, it’s essential to have the right legal documentation and support in place, ensuring your affairs are looked after properly.