When real property is distributed by description to the State after the lien date because there are no known heirs or because the estate or any portion thereof is to be distributed to heirs, devisees, or legatees whose whereabouts are unknown, taxes upon such real property shall not be paid for a period of five years after the date of entry of the decree of distribution except as provided in this section.

(a) If five years after the date of entry of the decree of distribution elapse without claim by the heirs of decedent or other persons entitled to make such claim, all taxes shall be canceled by the auditor on order of the board of supervisors with the written consent of the district attorney.

(b) If during the five-year period the real property is claimed by the heirs of decedent or other persons entitled to make such claim, all taxes upon such real property become due upon the approval of the claim, and shall be collected in the manner provided by law.

(c) If during the five-year period the State sells the real property it shall credit the proceeds of the sale to the particular estate and all taxes thereon shall be canceled. If the proceeds are claimed within the five-year period and the claim is allowed, the Controller shall deduct from the amount allowed to be paid to the claimant and remit to the taxing agency an amount equal to all taxes canceled plus any other amounts which would have been necessary to redeem the property at the time of cancellation, in accordance with an estimate thereof by the redemption officer.

(Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 2013.)