In Minneapolis, a 94 year old lady fell behind on her property taxes. Hennepin County seized her condo, sold it at auction, and collected $40,000 in proceeds. The County kept the entire $40,000 even though her debt was $25,000. The homeowner sued, claiming the excess over her debt should be returned to her. The case reached the Supreme Court and the Court fast forwarded the case.
On May 25, 2023, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the homeowner. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the Court, cited legal precedents dating back to the Magna Carta, when in 1215 the English Barons forced King John to swear that the remainder of a dead man’s property must be returned to the estate after tax debts are satisfied. Justice Roberts summed it up beautifully: “The taxpayer must render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, but no more.”
Thankfully, justice is served.
