By: Joel Stephen Mattson
How the Government Uses Deceptive Contracts to Claim Ownership of Your Land
1. You Think You Own Your Land? Think Again.
If you’re still paying property taxes on your land, you don’t own it—you’re renting it from the State. That’s not an exaggeration. It’s how the system was engineered. Through hidden contracts, registration schemes, and fraudulent deeds of trust, the government has reclassified private land into taxable real estate held in commercial trust.
And if you stop paying? They’ll seize it—without a trial.
2. Fee Simple: The Illusion of Ownership
What most people call “ownership” today is fee simple title. But this is a deceptive term. Under Black’s Law Dictionary:
“Fee simple” means absolute ownership subject to the rights of the state.
You are never the true allodial owner. The State holds superior title. That means:
- You don’t own the land outright;
- You are listed as a tenant, not sovereign;
- The State can tax, lien, seize, or restrict your use.
3. The Deed of Trust Converts Ownership Into Collateral
When you “buy” land or take out a mortgage, you usually sign a Deed of Trust, not a warranty deed.
A deed of trust:
- Transfers legal title to a third-party trustee;
- Puts your land into a commercial trust estate;
- Treats you as the tenant or borrower, not the owner.
This is how banks and counties enforce taxation, foreclosure, and seizure.
“A deed of trust… is a three-party instrument involving borrower, lender, and trustee.” — Black’s Law Dictionary
You are literally placed in a corporate trust without full disclosure.
4. Land Patents: The True Evidence of Sovereign Ownership
Before the 20th century, land in the U.S. was conveyed by Land Patent. These were signed by the President and granted allodial title to the original grantee.
A land patent:
- Is the highest form of title recognized by law;
- Cannot be taxed, seized, or encumbered without consent;
- Supersedes all modern deeds and claims.
“A patent is the highest evidence of title.” — United States v. Stone, 69 U.S. 525 (1864)
“The patent, when issued, is the final conveyance of title.” — Stoddard v. Chambers, 43 U.S. 284 (1844)
5. Property Taxes Are Based on Presumed Consent
You’re not taxed because you own the land. You’re taxed because:
- You registered the property with the county;
- You accepted a deed of trust or warranty deed;
- You failed to record a rebuttal of interest or revocation of contract.
The State presumes you agreed to be governed, regulated, and taxed.
“A voluntary agreement made without full disclosure is void for fraud.” — Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555 (1992)
6. The Legal Basis for Taxation Requires a Contract
“Governments descend to the level of a private corporation… and cannot compel performance without consent.” — Clearfield Trust Co. v. United States, 318 U.S. 363 (1943)
This applies to property taxes too. Without a contract:
- No debt exists;
- No lien can lawfully attach;
- No seizure can occur.
That’s why they never show you the original wet-ink contract agreeing to taxation. It doesn’t exist—unless you sign one or allow it by silence.
7. How to Rebut the Property Tax Presumption
1. Record an Affidavit of Status – Declare that you are a living man or woman, not a tenant or taxpayer. 2. File a Revocation of Deed of Trust – Cancel consent to any commercial trust relationship. 3. Serve a Notice of Ownership Interest – Reassert claim to land in allodial status. 4. Record All Documents with County Clerk – Then send certified copies to the tax office.
“Fraud destroys the validity of everything it touches.” — Nudd v. Burrows, 91 U.S. 426 (1875)
8. Your Deed May Already Prove You’re the Owner
Examine your property deed. Look for:
- Language like “tenant,” “fee simple,” “subject to” — red flags;
- References to zoning, regulation, or easements — signs of control;
- Whether it mentions an original land patent — powerful evidence in your favor.
If a patent exists, you can trace it back and reclaim full title.
9. Public Notice and Non-Consent
Reclaiming your rights requires notice and rebuttal:
- Post an affidavit on the public record;
- State clearly that you do not consent to taxation, seizure, or regulation;
- Demand production of lawful contracts proving tax obligations.
If they don’t respond? They agree by acquiescence.
10. The Land Is Yours—If You Reclaim It
They rely on deception. They rely on registration. They rely on silence.
Break the contract. Reclaim the title. Assert your rights.
“The silence of the authorities was a fraud.” — U.S. v. Throckmorton, 98 U.S. 61 (1878)
Conclusion: Ownership Without Control Is Not Ownership
You were told you own your land. You were shown a deed. But behind the curtain, the State treats you as a tenant.
You are only free when you:
- Rebut commercial presumption;
- Remove your land from trust systems;
- Stand as the sovereign owner under land patent and natural right.
Land is liberty. But only if you own it in truth.
Next Article in the Series: Why Court Orders Are Often Color of Law
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