Why back property taxes are urgent

Unpaid property taxes become a lien that generally comes ahead of your mortgage. Interest and fees keep adding up, and depending on your state, the county or an investor can eventually take the property through a tax deed sale or tax lien foreclosure. In Florida, a tax certificate is sold on delinquent taxes each year, and the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed once two years have passed from April 1 of the year it was issued.

Selling protects your equity

If a property goes to a tax deed sale, the owner loses the home and can only claim money left over after the sale, if any, through a separate process. Selling before that point lets you control the price, pay the taxes at closing, and receive your remaining equity directly.

Other tax problems we can work with

  • Delinquent property taxes and outstanding tax certificates
  • Federal tax liens, which the IRS may release or discharge from the property when it is sold
  • State tax liens or warrants
  • Special assessments from a city or association
  • Unpaid utility liens that attach to the property in some cities

How the taxes get paid

The title search identifies every tax and lien on the property. The title company requests exact payoff figures and pays them directly from the sale proceeds at closing. You receive a closing statement showing each payoff, and the balance is paid to you.

Explore your options first

If you want to keep the home, contact your county tax collector about paying the delinquency, and make sure you are receiving every exemption you qualify for. If a sale is the better path, we can review your property quickly and give you a clear offer with a timeline that fits the deadlines you face.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell my house with a tax certificate on it?

Yes. The certificate is redeemed at closing by paying the taxes, interest, and fees from your proceeds.

What about an IRS lien?

Federal tax liens can often be resolved at closing, either by payoff or by asking the IRS to discharge the lien from the property. The title company and a tax professional can guide that process.

How fast can you close if a tax deed sale is scheduled?

It depends on how clear the title is. Tell us the sale date right away, and we will tell you honestly whether we can close in time.