Detailed answer (New Hampshire)

This answer assumes you are not listed as an owner on the recorded deed but you paid unpaid property taxes on land that came to you by inheritance (or that you expected to inherit). In New Hampshire, ownership of real estate is determined by the deed and by what the probate court records show — not by who pays the taxes.

Why paying taxes alone does not transfer title

Recorded deeds are the primary evidence of who owns real estate. If your name is not on the deed, paying property taxes does not automatically convert you into the legal owner. Title passes only by a recorded deed, by operation of law (for example, through probate or a court order), or through other recognized legal mechanisms (such as a valid deed transfer or certain long‑standing adverse‑possession claims). Simply paying debt (like taxes) on the property does not by itself produce a new deed or change the record owner.

What legal rights might you have after paying the taxes?

• Right to reimbursement or equitable lien: If you paid taxes to preserve the property (for example, to prevent a tax sale), you may be able to ask the owner for reimbursement. In some cases a court might recognize an equitable lien or contribution claim — essentially saying you paid out of necessity and should be repaid.
• Recorded lien or agreement: Before or after paying, you can ask the record owner to execute a written agreement or a lien in your favor and have it recorded at the county Registry of Deeds. A written, recorded agreement is far stronger than a verbal understanding.
• Standing in probate or court: Paying taxes could give you a financial stake that supports filing for an interest in the property through the probate court (for example, as an heir or creditor of the estate) or bringing an action to quiet title or obtain reimbursement.

Common practical steps people take in New Hampshire

1. Confirm ownership in the Registry of Deeds: Search the county Registry of Deeds online or in person to see who the record owner is and whether there are mortgages or liens.
2. Check municipal tax records: Contact the town/city tax collector to confirm the amount paid, outstanding taxes, and whether the municipality has started a tax foreclosure or sale process.
3. Ask for a written agreement: If you pay taxes intending to protect an expected inheritance, get a signed, written agreement (and record it) explaining repayment terms or a transfer of interest in exchange for payment.
4. Open probate if needed: If the prior owner died and the property is part of an estate, the rightful transfer may require probate administration. The probate process establishes who has legal title under New Hampshire law.
5. Consider recording a lien or memorandum: If the owner agrees, record a lien or memorandum of agreement at the county Registry of Deeds so your payment and claim are visible to others.
6. Consult an attorney early: If the owner refuses to reimburse you or to transfer title, an attorney can advise on filing a civil action to recover the payment, to establish an equitable lien, or to pursue title through probate or quiet title litigation.

How the municipal tax process affects your options

Towns and cities collect property taxes and may enforce collection against the property. If taxes go unpaid, a municipality can take steps to collect — including placing liens, foreclosing, or selling the tax lien/interest. If you pay delinquent taxes, you should get a receipt and a written record from the tax collector showing who paid and for what period. That documentation is important if you later ask for reimbursement or assert a claim.

What if you thought you had inherited the property but your name is not on the deed?

Inheritance does not automatically change the deed. The estate must pass title according to the deceased owner’s will or, if there is no will, according to New Hampshire intestacy rules through probate court. If you are an heir, you may need to open probate (or be appointed personal representative) to get the executor or administrator to transfer the deed to you or to record a document that conveys title.

When paying taxes might help you claim an interest

There are limited circumstances where your long‑term actions (including paying taxes) could support a legal claim to title, but usually several conditions must be met and there are statutory time periods involved. For example, adverse‑possession doctrines or equitable claims sometimes arise, but these doctrines require specific factual elements and time periods. Paying taxes by itself, especially if you did not possess the property openly and exclusively, is usually insufficient.

Where to look for New Hampshire law and local rules

New Hampshire’s statutes and official resources on taxation, probate, and recording are available online. Useful official pages include the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) site for statutes, the New Hampshire Judicial Branch probate information, and the Department of Revenue’s municipal and property tax pages:

• New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) — search for chapters on taxation and probate.
• New Hampshire Judicial Branch — Probate — information on opening estates and probate procedures.
• New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration — Municipal & Property Tax — local tax rules and contacts.

Bottom line: Paying back taxes helps protect the property from municipal enforcement and preserves value, but it does not replace a recorded deed or make you the legal owner. To change or fix title, you will generally need a recorded deed, probate action, a recorded agreement, or a court order. Keep receipts, create written agreements, record any liens or memoranda, and talk with a New Hampshire attorney if the record owner will not cooperate.

Helpful Hints

• Always get a written receipt from the town/city tax collector showing who paid what and for which tax years.
• Before paying, ask the record owner to sign a written agreement (and record it) stating repayment or transfer terms.
• Search the county Registry of Deeds to verify who holds title and if there are mortgages or other liens.
• If the prior owner died, check whether the estate went through probate and who the personal representative is.
• Consider recording a lien or memorandum of agreement in the Registry of Deeds to protect your payment claim, but get legal advice first — recording has legal consequences.
• Document all communications, keep copies of tax bills and payments, and preserve bank records showing payment.
• Contact a New Hampshire attorney experienced in probate or real estate if the owner refuses to cooperate or if you want to convert your payment into an ownership interest.

Important disclaimer: This article explains general legal principles and practice in New Hampshire. It is educational and informational only. It does not constitute legal advice, create an attorney‑client relationship, nor is it a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific facts.