California Real Estate Practice Exam

What is the maximum time the tax collector can wait to sell a property for unpaid taxes before the owner loses the right to redeem it?

1. Three years

2. Five years

3. Seven years

4. Ten years

The correct answer is: Seven years

The correct answer is based on California law regarding property tax sales and the right of redemption. In California, property owners have the right to redeem their property for unpaid taxes for a period of five years after the tax default. However, if the property is taken for tax sale, the owners lose the right to redeem it if the tax collector does not sell the property within seven years from the date the taxes become delinquent. This seven-year timeline allows for a reasonable period for the owner to resolve the tax issue before losing their property rights. In this context, while five years is crucial for understanding the redemption period, the specific question about the maximum time for the tax collector to sell the property before the owner loses the right to redeem clearly leads to the seven-year timeline. Consequently, the correct understanding of this timeframe illustrates the legal framework established to protect both the tax collector's ability to recover owed taxes and the property owner's rights.