Tax liens supersede all other liens regardless of recording dates. When property sells for back taxes, all existing mortgages are wiped out.
Three Key Exceptions
Public Rights-of-Way: Public roads and easements remain unaffected.
Private Easements: Most states preserve private easements after tax sales.
Restrictive Covenants: Some states protect deed restrictions surviving tax sales.
Conclusion
Mortgage holders should periodically verify tax payments remain current.