Short answer

Paying past-due property taxes on land that you inherited but do not hold title to does not automatically make you the legal owner. Payment can prevent tax sale or redemption consequences and may give you the right to reimbursement or a lien in some situations, but legal title normally requires a recorded deed or a court order (for example, through probate, a transfer document, or a quiet-title action).

Detailed answer — how this works in Utah

1. Ownership versus tax payment

Legal ownership of real property is established by the recorded deed (or by a valid court order or other recognized transfer such as a trust conveyance). Simply paying taxes does not change the county land records. If your name is not on the deed, you do not become the record owner simply by paying the tax bill.

2. What paying taxes does accomplish

• Prevents or cures delinquency and can stop a tax sale or related penalties if paid before the sale or within required redemption timeframes.
• Protects the property from loss for unpaid taxes while you sort out title issues (for example, during probate).
• May allow you to claim reimbursement from the record owner or other heirs if you paid on their behalf.
• In some circumstances, a person who pays taxes can assert an equitable lien or claim for reimbursement—this is a legal action you would need to pursue in court if the owners refuse to pay you back.

3. Probate and inheritance transfer

If the property came from a deceased person, legal title usually passes according to the decedent’s estate plan (will or trust) or by intestate succession through probate. If title was never transferred out of the decedent’s name, heirs generally need to open a probate or use a statutory small‑estate or affidavit process (when available) to have the county recorder issue a new deed in the heirs’ names.

Utah statutes and procedures for probate and real property transfer are in the Utah Code (see Title 75 for probate and Title 57 for real property topics). For statutory text and forms, see the Utah Legislature and the state courts resources:

• Utah Code — Title 75 (Probate)
• Utah Code — Title 57 (Real Property)

4. Quiet title, reimbursement, and equitable remedies

If the deed doesn’t reflect your interest but you believe you have a right to ownership (for example, because of an inheritance agreement, a probate distribution not recorded, or a documented transfer), you may need a quiet‑title action to clear the record. If you paid taxes to protect the property while others claimed ownership, a court can sometimes recognize an equitable lien or order reimbursement. Actions affecting title and property claims are covered by Utah civil procedure and real property statutes:

• Utah Code — Title 78B (Judicial Code; actions affecting title)

5. Tax sale and redemption concerns

Counties sell or foreclose tax liens under Utah’s revenue and taxation statutes. Timely payment usually stops a tax sale. If a tax sale already occurred, there may be a redemption period or statutory procedures a subsequent purchaser must follow. For general statutory authority about property taxes and tax sales in Utah, see:

• Utah Code — Title 59 (Revenue and Taxation)

6. Adverse possession and long-term payment

Paying taxes and occupying property over time does not quickly create ownership. Adverse possession claims require long, continuous, open, hostile, and exclusive possession under the statute of limitations and court precedent. Because adverse‑possession rules are complex and fact‑sensitive, don’t rely on tax payment alone as a path to title.

7. Practical outcomes you may expect

• If you paid taxes to protect the asset and later clear title through probate, you could be recorded as owner after obtaining and recording the proper deed.
• If you paid taxes but others are on the deed and refuse to transfer title, you may have a claim for reimbursement or an equitable lien; you will likely need to sue to enforce that right.
• If you want legal ownership without a dispute, get an agreement in writing from the record owners transferring title and record a deed (quitclaim or warranty deed as appropriate) with the county recorder.

Recommended next steps (practical checklist)

1. Confirm current title. Search the county recorder’s records and the county assessor to see who is on the deed and who is listed as owner for tax purposes.
2. Gather documentation. Keep receipts for tax payments, any estate documents, wills, trust documents, death certificate, and correspondence with heirs or record owners.
3. Contact the county treasurer/assessor. Ask how your payment was applied and whether a lien, tax sale, or redemption period is involved.
4. Resolve title transfer. If the estate needs probate, consult a probate attorney or use the court procedures to transfer title to heirs. If all owners agree, obtain a signed, recorded deed to reflect new ownership.
5. Consider filing a civil action. If owners won’t transfer title or reimburse you, an attorney can advise about a quiet‑title action, an equitable lien claim, or other remedies under Utah law.
6. Get legal assistance. Real property disputes and probate issues are fact-specific. Talk with a Utah attorney experienced in real property and probate law to protect your interests.

Helpful hints

• Keep all proof of payment (receipts, bank records). These are essential if you must sue for reimbursement or an equitable interest.
• Record any agreement. If the record owner agrees to convey or to reimburse, get that promise in writing and record a deed or a lien notice if appropriate.
• Act early. Address unpaid taxes and title problems promptly to avoid tax sale or deteriorating claims.
• Use local county offices. County recorder, treasurer, and assessor offices can explain the local process, deadlines, and fees.
• Ask about small‑estate options. Utah provides procedures for small estates that can simplify transferring title when the estate qualifies.
• Don’t rely on tax payment alone for ownership. Payment helps protect the property but does not substitute for a recorded deed or court order.