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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 4Pt. 1Ch. 5Art. 1§ 16181 Postponed Tax Lien Records

§ 16181 Postponed Tax Lien Records

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 16181 Postponed Tax Lien Records

Key Takeaways

  • •The government keeps a list of properties with unpaid property taxes, including who owns them and how much they owe.
  • •If you own a home or mobile home with unpaid taxes, you can ask the government for a written statement showing how much you owe.
  • •The government has 10 workdays to give you this statement after you ask for it.
  • •The government can charge up to $30 for this statement.

Example

You own a house but haven't paid your property taxes for a few years. You want to sell the house but need to know how much you owe in back taxes.

You can write to the Controller (a government office) and ask for a statement showing how much you owe. They have to send it to you within 10 workdays. This helps you know exactly how much to pay to clear the debt so you can sell your house.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 16181 Postponed Tax Lien Records

(a) The Controller shall maintain a record of all properties against which a notice of lien for postponed property taxes has been recorded. The record shall include, but not be limited to, the names of each claimant, a description of the real property against which the lien is recorded, the identification number of the notice of lien assigned by the Controller, and the amount of the lien. (b) The Controller shall maintain a record of all properties against which the Department of Housing and Community Development has been notified to withhold the transfer of title or permit for transport. The record shall include, but not be limited to, the name of each claimant, a description of the manufactured home against which a security agreement is charged, and the amount secured by the agreement. (c) Upon written request of any person or entity, or the agent of either, having a legal or equitable interest in real property or a manufactured home that is subject to a lien or security agreement for postponed taxes, the Controller shall within 10 working days following receipt of the request issue a written statement showing the amount of the obligation secured by the lien as of the date of the statement and any other information as will reasonably enable the person or entity, or the agent of either, to determine the amount to be paid the Controller in order to obtain a certificate of release or discharge of the lien for postponed taxes. (d) The Controller shall adopt regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter and may establish a reasonable fee, not to exceed thirty dollars ($30), for the provision of the statement of lien status provided for herein. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 896, Sec. 2. (SB 1130) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

Controllerlienpostponed property taxesDepartment of Housing and Community Developmentsecurity agreement

Related Statutes

  • § 16182 Property Tax Postponement Liens
  • § 16186 Property Tax Lien Release
  • § 12402 Controller Office Organization
  • § 12403 Controller Oath Administration
  • § 12463.3 Redevelopment Agency Financial Reports

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 16181.
View Official Source