Home / Situations / Behind on property taxes
Behind on property taxes?
Unpaid property taxes add penalties every year, and in California a home that stays tax defaulted long enough can be sold by the county. If keeping the house isn't realistic, a sale to me pays the back taxes out of the proceeds at closing, so the debt is cleared and you keep the rest.
- No commissions, and I pay the closing costs
- Sold as is, no repairs
- Close in as little as 10 days, or on your date
How I can help
What selling to me looks like
Taxes paid at closing
Escrow pays the county directly from the sale, so you don't need cash up front.
As is, any condition
Properties behind on taxes are often behind on repairs too, and that's fine.
Land and vacant lots
If it's land or a lot instead of a house, tell me about it and I'll take a look.
Good to know. Your county tax collector can tell you exactly what you owe and whether a payment plan is available. If you can redeem and keep the property, that may be the better move for you.
Your options, side by side
What's the best way to sell in your situation?
Four quick questions show every realistic path, how long each one usually takes against your deadline, and what to have ready, even if the best fit isn't selling to me.
Questions people ask
Can I sell if the county has scheduled a tax sale?
Often yes, if the sale closes before the county's auction. Call me as soon as you can.
Do I have to pay the taxes before I sell?
No. Escrow pays them from the proceeds.
What if I inherited the property with the taxes owed?
That's common. See my page on inherited houses too, since the steps can overlap.