Who is typically responsible for paying real property taxes?

The correct answer is that the property owner is typically responsible for paying real property taxes. In real estate, property taxes are levied by local government entities, such as counties or municipalities, and are based on the assessed value of the property. The owner of the property is legally obligated to pay these taxes as a means of contributing to local services, such as schools, infrastructure, and public safety.

This responsibility to pay property taxes persists regardless of whether the property is currently being sold or is under contract. While real estate transactions may involve negotiations around who pays property taxes for a given tax year—sometimes splitting costs between the buyer and seller during the closing process—the ultimate legal obligation remains with the property owner. Therefore, once ownership is transferred, the new owner becomes responsible for the payment of future property taxes.