Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

Either enter into a payment plan or file bankruptcy which will only delay the matter long enough to get the property sold if you are lucky.

You're facing what's known as a tax taking. If you have not paid the property taxes, your town has the right after a given amount of time to foreclose. The only way to stop the process is to pay the taxes, one way or another. If the town does foreclose, it will sell the property, pay off the back taxes (plus interest) and give you the balance of the proceeds from the sale.

Sometimes towns may work with you on a payment plan, but only if you make a good faith effort to pay a portion of the debt up front. If you are a senior, some communities will also agree to give you a forbearance on payment in exchange for a lien on your property.

Talk with a real estate attorney who practices in your town and see if you have any wiggle room.