Sell Your House With Back Taxes: Before the Tax Sale
Behind on property taxes and running out of time? The back taxes are paid at closing and you keep the rest. Robin in Pennsylvania and Beth in Illinois both sold this way.
Call (888) 828-3586Behind on Property Taxes and Running Out of Time?
When property taxes go unpaid, the county adds interest and penalties, then eventually moves toward a tax sale. Every state runs that process differently, but the result is the same if nothing changes: you can lose the house and most of what it’s worth.
- You’re a year or more behind and the county letters keep coming
- You can’t afford the taxes and the repairs the house needs
- Buyers won’t offer enough to cover what’s owed
- You’re moving away and need the house sold first
How We Help You Sell a House With Back Taxes
You can usually sell a house with delinquent property taxes. The back taxes are paid out of the sale at closing, and you keep what’s left. The key is selling before the tax sale.
Clear Path House Buyer works with homeowners nationwide. We look at what the house is worth as it sits, what’s owed in taxes, liens, and any mortgage, and what you need to walk away with. Then you choose: a cash sale, or our Retail Buyer Program, where a licensed local agent lists the house as-is and we coordinate the sale, which can bring more when a cash number won’t cover what’s owed. That’s what made the difference for Beth and Robin.
You don’t fix or clean anything. We work with the title company on the payoffs, and if surprises turn up before closing, we work through them so your number holds.
How It Works
Tell us what you owe
Taxes, liens, mortgage, and the tax sale date if you have one. (888) 828-3586.
See your options
Cash, or the Retail Buyer Program, with what you’d walk away with.
Title handles the payoffs
Back taxes and liens paid from the sale.
Close before the tax sale
Remotely or with a mobile notary if you’ve moved.
Real Sellers Who Sold With Back Taxes
Robin: sold before the tax sale, moved to Florida
- Situation
- A few years behind on property taxes on a duplex with one rough side; moving to be near her daughter
- How it sold
- Retail Buyer Program, as-is
- Title
- Three title issues cleared; back taxes paid at closing
- Result
- When more back taxes surfaced right before closing, we adjusted our side so her number held
Beth: back taxes paid, money left for her
- Situation
- A rough house with back tax liens; buyers wouldn’t pay enough to cover them
- How it sold
- Retail Buyer Program with a licensed local agent, as-is
- Result
- Taxes paid at closing, and Beth kept the rest
Back Taxes: What to Know
Find out your deadline
Call your county treasurer or tax claim office and ask exactly what you owe and when the tax sale is scheduled. That date is what your plan works backward from.
Selling usually leaves you more than a tax sale
When you sell first, the taxes, interest, and penalties are paid from the sale, and the rest is yours. Waiting usually means more penalties and fewer options.
Federal tax liens are different
An IRS lien isn’t the same as unpaid property taxes. See the IRS guide below if that’s part of your situation.
Selling a House With Back Taxes: FAQs
Can I sell my house if I’m behind on property taxes?
Usually, yes. The back taxes are paid from the sale at closing, and you keep what’s left. Robin and Beth both sold this way.
What if a cash offer won’t cover the back taxes?
Our Retail Buyer Program can bring more. A licensed local agent lists the house as-is, and we coordinate the sale. Beth’s back tax liens were paid at closing and she still walked away with money.
How fast do I need to sell?
Before your county’s tax sale. Call the county treasurer or tax claim office to confirm your exact date, then plan backward from it.
Do I need money upfront to pay the taxes?
Usually not. The taxes, interest, and penalties are paid out of the sale proceeds at closing.
Can I sell if I’ve already moved?
Yes. Robin moved to Florida, and sellers can close remotely or with a mobile notary.
Do I have to fix the house first?
No. Robin’s duplex and Beth’s house both sold as-is.
Helpful resources
Related Pages
Behind on Taxes? Let’s Beat the Deadline
Tell us what’s owed and when. We’ll show you what you’d walk away with.
(888) 828-3586 Clear Path House Buyer · 548 Coit Ave NE Apt 2, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · Serving homeowners nationwide