Massachusetts § 85 - Taxes paid by co-tenants; lien on co-tenants' interest

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 85 — Taxes paid by co-tenants; lien on co-tenants' interest, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 85. Taxes paid by co-tenants; lien on co-tenants' interest

Section 85. A tenant in common or joint tenant, who pays the entire tax assessed upon land held jointly or in common, shall have a lien upon the interest of each of his co-tenants, to secure the payment to him of the proportion of such tax payable by each of said co-tenants respectively, with the costs of enforcing the same; but any person whose tax has been so paid by his co-tenant shall have the same right to recover it back if illegally assessed as he would have had if the tax had been paid under a protest by him in writing.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 85

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 85 cover?

Section 85 ("Taxes paid by co-tenants; lien on co-tenants' interest") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 85?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 85" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 85 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.