Sell Your House with Back Property Taxes
Texas has no state income tax, so local property taxes are high. When a bill goes unpaid, penalties and interest start on February 1 and keep growing. By summer, collection fees can be added on top. Eventually the taxing units can file a lawsuit to foreclose on the property.
If you are behind and cannot catch up, selling can stop the bleeding. The back taxes are paid from the sale at closing, so you do not need to come up with that money first.
Get your no-obligation offer
Three quick steps. We will call to talk through cash, mortgage buyout and owner financing options.
$0 commissions or fees
No repairs, no cleaning
You pick the closing date
Local to DFW and NE Texas
This may be a fit if...
- You are one or more years behind on property taxes
- You received a delinquency notice or a tax suit letter
- You inherited a property with unpaid taxes
- Your tax bill has outgrown your budget after reappraisals
What you gain
- No need to pay the back taxes out of pocket first
- Stops penalties, interest and collection fees from growing
- Avoid a tax foreclosure lawsuit and constable sale
- Works for houses, land and commercial property
How it works
- 1
Share the tax details
Tell us roughly what is owed, or we can look it up with you.
- 2
Get a clear offer
We show you the price, the tax payoff, and what you walk away with.
- 3
Title pays the taxes
The title company pays every taxing unit from the sale proceeds.
- 4
Move forward
Penalties stop, the suit risk ends, and you keep the remaining equity.
The honest trade-offs
Every option has a downside. Here is what to weigh before you decide.
- If you are 65 or older or disabled and the home is your homestead, Texas lets you defer taxes. Ask your county tax office about a deferral before deciding to sell.
- Payment plans may be available from the tax office. If you can afford one, it may let you keep the property.
Local behind on property taxes help by county
County details, deadlines and offices for each area we serve.
Go deeper
Sell a House with Back Taxes: common questions
When do Texas property taxes become delinquent?
Texas property taxes are generally delinquent if not paid by January 31. Penalties and interest start February 1 and grow each month, and an additional collection fee is often added starting July 1.
Can I sell a house that has a tax lien on it?
Yes. The taxes are paid from the sale at closing, and the lien is released. Hidden Leaf Holdings buys properties with tax liens regularly. Call (214) 555-0147.
What happens if I never pay the back taxes?
The taxing units can sue to foreclose, and the property can be sold at a tax sale. After a sale, a homestead owner generally has two years to redeem, but redeeming costs extra.
Do I get any money if I sell with back taxes?
In most cases, yes. Whatever is left after the taxes and any mortgage are paid goes to you. We show you that number before you sign anything.
Can I sell land or a rental that is behind on taxes?
Yes. Hidden Leaf Holdings buys houses, land, multi-family and commercial property with back taxes. Call (214) 555-0147 for an offer.
Talk to Chase about your options
Cash, mortgage buyout or owner financing. We will lay out the numbers for each, with no pressure and no obligation.