They told them based on the most recent address of the contact on record. Why should it be the responsibility of the tax collector to make sure this is up-to-date and accurate?
Because it's always the responsibility of the tax collector? Because the government is the least cost avoider?
I used to work for a title search company that contracted with counties within that state to handle tax foreclosure. In order to foreclose on property for delinquent taxes, certified mail had to be sent to the most recent known address, the delinquency had to be published in a local paper, and a notice had to be posted on the property itself. I believe this is more-or-less the norm.
I don't think it's the norm because it doesn't sound like most of these things happened in this case.
Also, I've participated as a bidder in one auction where I live in FL. There was no notice posted on the property. I don't know if the other things happened.
I agree but what are the extenuating circumstances in this case? Was the person responsible off serving in the Armed Forces so they didn't get the notice?
Nope, actually it sounds like someone forgot to change their address seventeen years ago. How hard is this to take care of? Or hey, even for someone in the HOA to notice they haven't been getting a tax bill for the last 17 years.
Sorry I don't agree. The situation was one of the HOA's own making. The tax collector didn't make the mistake, the HOA did. That's how life works for most people. There are consequences for making mistakes.
Also, with regard to there being "no warning". Why wouldn't there be an assumption by the HOA that they owed taxes even though they weren't receiving a bill?
You can obviously believe whatever you want, but if you think that the consequences of failing to properly file a change of address form and then forgetting about a $14 annual bill should be that dire, that's pretty extreme.
What do you think the penalty for littering should be? The death penalty?
The practical effect of the penalty is relative to a person's ability to handle it.
Wealthy people having to pay their way out of an awkward situation caused by their own irresponsibility? I don't know the means of these people but based on where they live, it amounts to the equivalent of a speeding ticket.
Keep in mind, they aren't the only victims of their irresponsibility now. They have had to create this narrative of a bottom feeding couple trying to cheat them out of their street. It's character assassination and it's another reason not to feel sorry for them.
I used to work for a title search company that contracted with counties within that state to handle tax foreclosure. In order to foreclose on property for delinquent taxes, certified mail had to be sent to the most recent known address, the delinquency had to be published in a local paper, and a notice had to be posted on the property itself. I believe this is more-or-less the norm.