Detailed Answer

Short answer: Paying delinquent property taxes protects the land from tax sale and preserves the property, but it does not automatically make you the legal owner if your name is not on the deed. Payment creates rights you should document and may give you a basis to seek repayment, a lien, or a court order assigning title — but to change the deed you generally must use probate, a transfer deed, or a court action.

How paying taxes affects ownership and title under Pennsylvania law

Ownership of real estate in Pennsylvania is determined by the chain of title recorded in the county Recorder (or Register) of Deeds and by any transfer made through probate (an estate administration) or by a deed signed by the person with legal title. Simply paying delinquent taxes does not create recorded title.

However, paying the back taxes can have these important legal effects:

Stops or cancels a tax sale: If taxes are delinquent, the county or tax claim bureau may prepare the property for a tax sale. Paying the delinquent taxes removes the immediate threat of sale and foreclosure by the tax claim bureau.
Preserves the property for the rightful owner(s): If you are an heir or beneficiary acting on behalf of the estate, paying taxes prevents penalties and extra costs that reduce estate value.
Creates an enforceable claim for reimbursement: If you paid the taxes on someone else’s land (for example, other heirs’ interests), you can often seek repayment from the estate or from co-heirs. That claim may be contractual (if you had an agreement) or equitable (based on contributions).
May support an equitable lien or constructive trust claim: In some circumstances a court will recognize that a person who paid taxes or mortgage amounts to protect the property has an equitable interest. That can lead to a court-ordered lien or direction that the payer be reimbursed when title is transferred.

What you cannot accomplish merely by paying taxes

You do not become the record owner or get your name placed on the deed by paying taxes alone.
You do not extinguish other people’s legal title or liens (such as mortgages) simply by paying taxes.
You generally cannot force a title company to insure a clear title in your name without a deed or court order resolving ownership.

Practical next steps to convert payment into legal protection or ownership

Keep and record proof of payment: Save receipts, canceled checks, and tax collector records. Consider recording an affidavit of payment in the county Recorder’s office to put others on notice.
Confirm the current legal owner and chain of title: Order a title search or visit the county Recorder/Register of Deeds to confirm whose name appears and whether the property is in probate. The county tax claim bureau can tell you if a tax sale is pending.
Open or check probate/estate administration: If the prior owner died, an estate should be opened in the Orphans’ Court (Probate Court) to transfer title to heirs or distribute proceeds. The court-appointed personal representative can sign deeds and reimburse you from estate funds when appropriate.
Ask co-heirs for a written agreement: If multiple heirs own the property, get a written agreement that the payer will be reimbursed or will receive the property in exchange for payment. Then have a deed prepared and recorded.
Consider filing a civil action if necessary: If heirs refuse to reimburse or transfer title, you may file a suit in equity for an accounting, an equitable lien, constructive trust, or a partition/quiet-title action. A successful claim can result in reimbursement or clear title.
Talk with a Pennsylvania real estate or probate attorney: An attorney can evaluate whether you have a direct contractual claim, an equitable lien, or whether a court action is the right move.

Relevant Pennsylvania law and resources

Key areas of Pennsylvania law to consider include statutes and rules controlling real property, probate (decedents’ estates), and tax sale procedures. Useful statute collections and state resources include:

68 Pa.C.S. (Real and Personal Property)
20 Pa.C.S. (Decedents, Estates, and Fiduciaries) — probate and estate administration provisions
72 Pa.C.S. (Taxation and Fiscal Affairs) — state tax statutes and references to local tax procedures
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — guidance on tax collections and local procedures

Typical outcomes depending on the situation

Outcome depends on whether probate has been opened, whether other heirs cooperate, and whether the payer documented an agreement:

Estate open and personal representative cooperative: You will likely be reimbursed from the estate or get a deed transferring the property to you after settlement.
Heirs agree to transfer: A recorded deed can put you on title once co-heirs sign and record the instrument.
No agreement or estate not administered: You may need a court action (equitable lien, constructive trust, or partition/quiet title) to obtain reimbursement or title, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Failure to protect your interest: Without documentation, you risk losing money if other parties claim reimbursement is not owed or if the estate lacks funds.

Helpful Hints

Get every agreement in writing. A simple signed memorandum among heirs reduces disputes.
Keep receipts and official tax office records organized by parcel number. That evidence matters in court.
Confirm you paid the correct parcel and tax year. Misapplied payments are common and can leave the property at risk.
If a tax sale is scheduled, act quickly. Contact the county tax claim bureau immediately to find out the redemption procedure.
Consider filing an affidavit of heirship if no probate was opened, but consult a lawyer — filing an affidavit has limits and does not replace a deed or probate order.
Don’t assume adverse possession or long-term tax payments alone will give you title — those remedies have strict rules and long timeframes and rarely apply to closely held family transfers.
Consult a local real estate or probate attorney early if the amount paid is significant. An attorney can often recover payments faster and with less risk than a self-help approach.

Final note and disclaimer

This article explains common legal consequences under Pennsylvania law but does not replace legal advice. Every case has unique facts that can change the result. Consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney for advice tailored to your situation.