(a) Nature of lien.--All taxes deferred under this subchapter shall constitute a prior lien on the homestead of the claimant in favor of the political subdivision and shall attach as of the date and in the same manner as other real estate tax liens. The deferred taxes shall be collected as other real estate tax liens, but the deferred taxes shall be due, payable and delinquent only as provided in subsection (b).
(b) Payment.--
(1) All or part of the deferred taxes may at any time be paid to the political subdivision.
(2) In the event that the deferred taxes are not paid by the claimant or the claimant's spouse during his or her lifetime or during their continued ownership of the homestead, the deferred taxes shall be paid either:
(i) prior to the conveyance of the homestead to any third party; or
(ii) prior to the passing of the legal or equitable title, either by will or by statute, to the heirs of the claimant or the claimant's spouse.
(3) The surviving spouse of a claimant shall not be required to pay the deferred taxes by reason of his or her acquisition of the homestead due to death of the claimant as long as the surviving spouse maintains his or her domicile in the property. The surviving spouse may continue to participate in the tax deferral program in subsequent years provided he or she is eligible under the provisions of this subchapter.