The Short Answer

Generally, no—in Pennsylvania, paying someone else’s property taxes (even for a long time) usually does not give you an ownership interest in the real estate by itself. Ownership typically comes from a valid deed, a court order, or a legally recognized transfer through an estate—not from who pays the tax bill.

However, tax payments can sometimes become important evidence in an estate or title dispute, especially when a property owner has died and the property is still being treated as part of the decedent’s estate.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

In probate-related situations, Pennsylvania law recognizes that real estate may remain titled in (and taxed in) the decedent’s name or the personal representative’s name while the estate is pending. That means tax billing and payment activity often reflects administrative handling of the estate—not a change in legal title. If you are paying taxes on property that belonged to someone who died, that fact alone usually does not transfer ownership to you; instead, title issues are typically resolved through probate administration, recorded deeds, or an Orphans’ Court proceeding that determines who owns the decedent’s interest.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 3546.

This statute establishes that, in certain circumstances (including when no estate has been opened for a period of time or when an appointed personal representative has not filed an account within the required timeframe), an authorized person may petition the Orphans’ Court to determine title to the decedent’s interest in real estate and obtain an order adjudging title.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general framework, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Title-determination relief under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3546 is tied to timing (for example, whether one year has passed with no letters granted, or whether six years have passed without an account after a personal representative was appointed). Missing the right window—or proceeding under the wrong theory—can derail the case.
• Burden of Proof: If your claim depends on more than just tax payments (such as an alleged agreement, inheritance rights, or challenging a conveyance), you may need strong documentation and credible evidence to prove your entitlement to an interest.
• Exceptions: Ownership may be affected by how title was held (for example, survivorship ownership between spouses), whether there are heirs/devisees, whether the estate is open, and whether there are liens or competing claims that must be addressed before clear title can be obtained.

Trying to handle this alone can lead to procedural errors, clouded title, or a result that does not actually fix the ownership problem when you go to sell, refinance, or transfer the property.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.