Justices Weigh Homeowner’s Right to Surplus After Tax Sale (1)

Several US Supreme Court justices seemed troubled at oral arguments Wednesday about the limits on Minnesota counties’ ability to seize properties to cover tax debts without giving the homeowners any surplus from the sale.

Geraldine Tyler, now in her 90s, moved out of her Minneapolis condominium and into a senior community in 2010 when she became concerned about crime. After she ran up a $15,000 tax debt on the condo, including fines, costs, and interest, Hennepin County sold the property for $40,000 and didn’t give Tyler the surplus.

Tyler and her supporters argue the Minnesota county’s actions amount to a ...