Opinion ID: 1178008
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: a void tax deed may constitute a valid root of title within the meaning of the act

Text: Our consideration of the Act's applicability to this case must include not only a determination of whether governmental interests are subject to its provisions, but also whether a void tax deed can serve as a valid root of title. It is not inconsistent with legislative policy that a void conveyance will, in some instances, serve as a muniment of title. In 12 O.S. 1981 § 93 the legislature provided for a shorter limitation period in favor of persons in possession under a void tax deed. The cited statute expresses our public policy that gives the holder of a void tax deed title by prescription upon possession for five years. [21] A void tax deed hence falls under a rubric different from forged, stolen while undelivered, or surreptitiously removed conveyances. [22] Legal effect is, in some instances, accorded by the Act to the recording of void instruments. This is consistent with the statute's objectives of limiting the necessity of title investigation to records which post-date the root of title and of facilitating land title transactions.