Warning: Don't pay the seller until you contact the Tax Department. We'll check to see if the seller owes any taxes.An escrow agent should provide the parties with a receipt for the escrow property, a copy of the escrow agreement and keep complete and accurate records. Escrow can also be an account that is created at the time of a mortgage closing which includes future homeowners' insurance and property tax payments. Generally, mortgage escrow accounts are used to collect and pay property taxes and insurance payments on a home. Escrow is a legal agreement between two parties for a third party to hold onto money or assets until certain conditions are met. Typically the seller would put a portion of the taxes prorated for the portion of the 2023 year that they owned the home into escrow at closing. If you are paying for 10 months at closing it means in your state property taxes are paid in arrears, you are giving a credit to the buyer to cover the taxes. New MCC can't increase your credit. Basis. Figuring Your Basis.