141.850. Collector to file suit to collect taxes--service (St. Louis). - Missouri Statutes

Collector to file suit to collect taxes--service (St. Louis).

141.850. 1. If any of the lands or town lots contained inthe back tax book or list of delinquent lands or lots remainunredeemed on the first day of January, the collector shall filesuit in the circuit court against such lands or lots to enforcethe lien of the state and city.

2. The collector shall note opposite such tract in the backtax book the fact that suit has been commenced and the personagainst whom commenced.

3. When summons has been issued against any defendant andthe officer to whom it is directed makes return that thedefendant cannot be found, and the court is satisfied thatsummons cannot be served; and in all cases where it is alleged inthe petition or in an affidavit subsequently filed, that thedefendants or any one of them are nonresidents of the state ofMissouri, the court or clerk of the court in vacation shall issuean order that notice of such action be given the defendant bypublication.

4. The proof of publication may be made by filing in thecourt an affidavit of the publisher of the newspaper or of anyperson who would be a competent witness in the cause.

5. If the defendant does not appear and defend, judgment bydefault shall be rendered, which judgment shall be as binding andeffectual against the property as if there had been personalservice on the defendant.

(RSMo 1939 § 11186, A. 1949 S.B. 1024)