You only need to pay taxes and fees if you are trying to get a property through "adverse possession," but not if you are trying to get an "easement by prescription." You don't have to talk to the owner for either of these. To get an easement by prescription, you just need to use the property openly and visibly for five years.
These are questions that the above text answers:
1. What is the difference between acquiring a property through adverse possession and acquiring an easement by prescription?
2. Are taxes and fees required for acquiring an easement by prescription?
3. How long do you need to openly and visibly use a property to acquire an easement by prescription?
4. What is the process for acquiring a property through adverse possession?
5. What are the ownership and usage rights associated with appurtenant easements?