MARIANAS Variety included a list from the Department of Revenue and Taxation yesterday, one that has implications for everyone who owes property taxes. If you missed it, find a copy and check it for your name. The digital edition of our paper also includes the list, or contact the Real Property division to find out whether you owe anything.

That’s because of the language accompanying the publication. “Notice of termination of right of redemption and notice of deed of real property,” the headline over the list warns. And over the signature of John P. Camacho, “tax collector” and Director of the Department of Rev and Tax, this explanation indicates they are serious: “notice is hereby given to all owners, heirs and/or personal representatives of the real property identified (herein) that on July 6, 2011 said real properties were TAX SOLD by the tax collector to the Government of Guam. Whereas, one year has elapsed since the time of said sale, and that unless the taxes, penalties and costs are paid in full, the right of redemption ... will TERMINATE effective 5 p.m.” on the one year anniversary of that date. Thereafter, properties on which the taxes haven’t been paid will revert to the government of Guam, and could be sold at auction to satisfy the debt.

The list is current as of June 15, so if your name is on the list you basically have until the end of next week to redeem. Tax auctions of real property on Guam are rare, but there may be reason to believe that this year, given our government’s financial circumstances, Rev and Tax means business. Pay your property taxes, or you could lose your property.

Most of the amounts owed are small, less than $100. It seems unlikely any property will be auctioned for such small liens, but it also seems unlikely so many hundreds of property owners could be delinquent without correcting the situation. That’s complacency based on the belief the government isn’t going to do anything except publish the list.

Guam property taxes are, by most measures from elsewhere in the country, very low. We noticed some for as little as $15 or $16, others for less than 10 bucks. But some of the tax delinquencies are more substantial, thousands of dollars in several cases. Both private owners and commercial enterprises are listed, so it behooves every business person to check the list for their company name too. Variety printed about 1,000 extra copies, which were delivered to Rev and Tax. Most of those were in turn distributed to the mayors’ offices.

The basic lesson is this: If the tax collector makes a list, everyone had better check it twice.