What is a common consequence of failing to pay taxes related to property?

A common consequence of failing to pay taxes related to property is the levy of a lien. When property taxes remain unpaid, the local government may impose a tax lien against the property. This lien serves as a legal claim against the property for the owed tax amount, ensuring that the government has a priority claim on the property over other debts.

This mechanism allows the government to secure payment for the unpaid taxes and can lead to further actions if the taxes remain unpaid, such as the potential for foreclosure. However, the lien itself is a direct and immediate consequence of the non-payment of property taxes, establishing the government's right to collect upon the debt.

The other options do not accurately reflect the immediate repercussions of unpaid property taxes. Issuance of a warranty deed is unrelated to tax payments; it involves the transfer of ownership with certain guarantees regarding the property's title. Transfer of property ownership typically does not occur due to tax non-payment, as ownership stays with the current owner unless other actions, such as foreclosure, take place subsequently. Immediate foreclosure is not the first step following unpaid taxes; rather, it is usually a result of a series of legal processes that may follow the establishment of a tax lien.