Detailed Answer

Short answer: Paying property taxes on land you inherited but do not yet hold title to does not automatically make you the owner. Your payment can protect the property from tax sale and give you certain remedies (reimbursement or an equitable lien) in some situations, but it will not substitute for a recorded deed or a probate transfer. You should keep proof of payment and take steps to clear title or complete the probate/transfer process.

How Wisconsin handles tax payments and title

In Wisconsin the county collects property taxes and enforces collection rules. Paying delinquent taxes will stop or slow county collection steps (including potential tax foreclosure or sale) and preserves the property for whoever ultimately holds legal title. However, the county tracks ownership by the recorded deed and the tax roll, not by who actually paid the bill. In short:

• Payment of taxes prevents the immediate consequence of unpaid taxes (interest, penalties, and possible tax sale) but does not transfer title.
• If you pay taxes as a non‑owner, the county will accept the payment and apply it to the tax account, and you should get a receipt. That receipt is important evidence if you later claim reimbursement or an equitable interest.
• If the property is in probate or is part of an estate you expect to inherit, paying the taxes can protect its value while you complete the probate or transfer process.

Possible legal consequences and remedies after you pay

Because paying taxes doesn’t automatically change the deed, your legal remedies (and what you can realistically expect) commonly include:

• Reimbursement from the estate or current owner: If you paid taxes to preserve estate property, you may be able to demand reimbursement from the estate before distribution, or from the person who obtains title.
• Equitable lien or subrogation claim: If you paid with the reasonable expectation of protecting or obtaining an interest in the property (for example, you are an heir who agreed with co‑heirs to maintain the property), a court might recognize an equitable lien or order reimbursement. Courts decide these claims case‑by‑case and will look at written agreements, communications, and the reason you paid.
• Quiet title or partition actions: If ownership is disputed among heirs or others, you may need to use a quiet title or partition action in Wisconsin courts to resolve who owns the property and whether you are entitled to contribution for your tax payments.
• If you paid to stop a tax foreclosure or sale: Your payment may stop the process for now. If foreclosure later proceeds, different rules control whether any purchaser’s rights can defeat your claim. (For general statutory provisions that govern property tax collection and foreclosure in Wisconsin, see Wis. Stat. ch. 75: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/75.)

Common scenarios and what likely happens

Here are a few practical fact patterns and likely outcomes under Wisconsin law and practice:

• Scenario — Probate is open and you expect to inherit: Paying taxes preserves the property value while the estate is administered. The estate should reimburse you before final distribution. If the estate administrator refuses, you can file a claim in probate court.
• Scenario — The owner of record is alive or another heir is listed on the deed: Your tax payment won’t change who appears on the deed. You can ask the owner to execute a deed to you, negotiate reimbursement, or pursue an equitable claim if you paid under a clear agreement.
• Scenario — You paid to stop an imminent tax sale: If the county accepted your payment, the sale may be canceled or postponed. Keep the receipt and confirm the county’s tax status in writing. If the county already sold the property, your remedies are limited and depend on the timing and the purchaser’s rights.

Practical steps to protect yourself

1. Get and keep a written receipt from the county treasurer for every payment.
2. Check the county tax and deed records regularly to confirm who is on title and whether there are any recorded claims or foreclosures.
3. Open or follow up on probate administration if the decedent’s estate has not yet been administered. Title typically transfers through probate or by a properly executed and recorded deed.
4. If you paid intending to get an ownership interest, document any agreement in writing (signed by the parties) to support an equitable claim later.
5. Consider a title search and contact a real estate or probate attorney before making large payments or taking ownership steps.

Where to look in Wisconsin law and county offices

Key places to check:

• Wisconsin statutes on property tax collection and foreclosure: Wis. Stat. ch. 75 — see https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/75.
• County treasurer or tax office web page for the county where the land is located (search by county name and “treasurer” or “property tax”).
• County register of deeds for recorded deeds, affidavits, and liens.
• Local probate court clerk’s office for estate records and filings.

When you should get an attorney

Contact a Wisconsin probate or real estate attorney if:

• You paid substantial taxes and the estate or owner refuses to reimburse you.
• Title is disputed among heirs or third parties.
• A tax foreclosure or sale is pending and you need to know whether payment will preserve your claimed interest.
• You want to record or enforce an equitable lien, or pursue quiet title or partition in court.

Disclaimer

This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. It explains general principles of Wisconsin law but does not cover every situation. For advice about your specific facts, consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.

Helpful Hints

• Always get written receipts from the county treasurer for tax payments.
• Keep copies of any communications or agreements with co‑heirs or the estate administrator.
• Do a title search to confirm the legal owner and any recorded liens before making large payments.
• If probate is required, start or follow up on it promptly — title issues are often resolved through probate transfers.
• Consider a short written agreement with other heirs about who will pay taxes and how payments will be credited or reimbursed.
• If you are trying to acquire the property, consider buying at a tax sale or negotiating a purchase with the owner of record rather than relying solely on tax payments to create ownership.
• Ask the county treasurer what the payment will do to the property’s status (e.g., does it stop a pending sale?) and get that confirmation in writing.