For many homeowners, falling behind on property taxes can create serious financial stress. Over time, unpaid taxes can lead to liens, penalties, and even foreclosure if left unresolved. When this happens, selling the home becomes more challenging—but not impossible.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a we buy houses company can still purchase your home when you owe back taxes, the answer is often yes. Reputable home-buying companies like Homeowner Relief.com specialize in helping homeowners in complex financial situations, including tax delinquency.
This article will explain how these buyers approach homes with back taxes, what the selling process looks like, how liens are handled, and why selling to a cash buyer can actually help you resolve your tax debt quickly.
Property taxes are mandatory payments that homeowners make to their local government to fund community services like schools, infrastructure, and emergency response. When you fail to pay these taxes, the amount owed becomes a tax lien against your property.
A tax lien gives the government the right to collect the owed amount from the sale of your home before you can receive any proceeds. Over time, unpaid taxes accumulate interest and penalties, which can significantly increase the total amount due.
If the debt remains unpaid for too long, your local county or city may even initiate a tax sale or foreclosure, forcing the property to be auctioned to recover the taxes owed.
For homeowners struggling with delinquent taxes, selling the property can be the fastest and most effective way to eliminate the debt. Traditional sales, however, can take months to complete—time that you may not have if you’re facing potential foreclosure or mounting interest charges.
That’s where we buy houses companies like Homeowner Relief.com come in. They purchase homes directly for cash, allowing you to quickly pay off your back taxes and walk away with any remaining proceeds.
The best part? These companies buy homes in as-is condition—meaning you don’t need to fix anything, pay realtor commissions, or wait for mortgage approvals.
Most homeowners are surprised to learn that back taxes don’t necessarily stop a cash buyer from purchasing their property. In fact, many investors and home-buying companies deal with tax liens on a regular basis.
Here’s how it typically works:
You contact the buyer and provide basic details about your home and your tax situation.
The buyer evaluates your property and calculates an offer based on its current market value and any debts or liens attached.
They factor in the back taxes when determining the final offer amount.
At closing, the title company pays off the tax lien directly from the sale proceeds.
You receive the remaining balance, free from tax debt or legal complications.
This process allows you to sell quickly while ensuring that your back taxes are handled legally and efficiently.
Let’s break down exactly how the process works when selling to a we buy houses buyer like Homeowner Relief.com.
The first step is to reach out to a reputable cash home buyer. You’ll typically fill out a short form or make a quick phone call to share information such as:
Your property address
The home’s current condition
How much you owe in back taxes (if known)
Your desired timeline for selling
This initial conversation helps the buyer assess your situation and determine how best to assist you.
The buyer performs a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine your home’s fair market value. They review recent sales in your area, the property’s condition, and any liens or debts attached.
This step allows the buyer to craft a fair, transparent offer that reflects the property’s true worth minus any obligations, including unpaid taxes.
Within 24–48 hours, you’ll typically receive a no-obligation cash offer. This offer takes into account:
The property’s current value
Estimated repair costs (if any)
The amount owed in taxes and liens
Title fees and closing costs
Reputable buyers like Homeowner Relief.com will clearly explain how they arrived at their offer, ensuring full transparency.
If you accept the offer, the buyer will prepare a simple purchase agreement. This document outlines:
The agreed-upon sale price
The closing date
Which costs will be paid at closing (usually covered by the buyer)
The handling of back taxes or liens
Once signed, the buyer and title company begin processing the sale.
The title company conducts a title search to identify any liens or claims on the property, including unpaid property taxes.
This step ensures that all debts are accounted for and that the transaction proceeds legally.
Once verified, the title company works with the buyer to pay off the lien from the sale proceeds. This means you won’t have to come up with any money upfront.
Once the title is clear and all documents are in order, closing can occur in as little as 7–21 days.
Here’s what happens at closing:
You sign the final documents transferring ownership.
The title company pays off your back taxes directly to the county or tax office.
You receive the remaining sale proceeds via wire transfer or certified check.
This quick and straightforward process eliminates your tax debt and gives you a fresh financial start.
Cash buyers like Homeowner Relief.com often work with homeowners facing a wide range of tax-related situations, including:
If you’ve fallen several months or years behind, the buyer can purchase your home before foreclosure proceedings begin.
Even if a lien has already been filed, a cash buyer can pay it off at closing, clearing your title in the process.
If your property is at risk of being sold by the county, a fast cash sale can prevent you from losing it entirely.
Heirs often discover that an inherited home comes with back taxes. Cash buyers can resolve these debts and simplify the transfer.
If you’re behind on both your mortgage and property taxes, a cash buyer can help you avoid foreclosure and minimize damage to your credit.
Working with a professional we buy houses company offers multiple advantages when you’re dealing with tax debt.
Most sales close within 7–21 days, allowing you to quickly settle your tax bill and move forward.
You won’t have to pay the taxes yourself—the buyer covers them using sale proceeds.
Even if your home needs major work, the buyer will purchase it as-is.
By selling quickly, you can prevent the county from taking and selling your home.
There’s no need to hire a realtor or pay closing costs, saving you thousands of dollars.
When you sell your home to a cash buyer, the process of handling back taxes is completely automated and legal.
Here’s how it works at closing:
The title company requests an official tax payoff statement from your local county.
The exact amount owed—including interest and penalties—is verified.
The title company uses funds from the buyer’s payment to pay the taxes directly.
The lien is officially removed, and the title is cleared.
The remaining balance is transferred to you.
This means you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket, and your home sale resolves your tax debt once and for all.
Let’s say you owe $12,000 in back property taxes, and your home’s market value is $200,000.
If a we buy houses buyer offers you $180,000 for the property, here’s how the transaction would look:
Sale Price: $180,000
Taxes Owed: $12,000 (paid at closing)
Title Fees: $1,000 (covered by the buyer)
Seller Proceeds: $167,000
By selling, you’ve not only paid off your back taxes but also walked away with substantial funds—without delay or risk of foreclosure.
Not all cash buyers operate with the same level of professionalism. To protect yourself, make sure to:
Verify the company’s credentials and reviews.
Ask for proof of funds before signing any agreement.
Ensure all transactions go through a licensed title or escrow company.
Avoid buyers who request upfront fees or vague terms.
Companies like Homeowner Relief.com have a strong reputation for transparency and efficiency, giving homeowners peace of mind that their property—and debt—is being handled properly.
Selling to a we buy houses company doesn’t just clear your tax debt—it can also help you:
Avoid credit damage from foreclosure.
Eliminate stress related to debt collection.
Access cash quickly for relocation or personal expenses.
Start over financially without lingering obligations.
This makes it one of the most practical and empowering options for homeowners in financial distress.
If you’re struggling with property taxes and worried about losing your home, selling to a we buy houses company like Homeowner Relief.com can provide the solution you need.
These buyers specialize in purchasing homes with back taxes, liens, and other financial complications. They handle all the details—paying off your tax debt, clearing the title, and closing in as little as 7 to 21 days.
Instead of facing foreclosure or a tax auction, you can sell your property quickly, eliminate your debts, and move forward with confidence.
When you choose Homeowner Relief.com, you’re working with professionals who value honesty, speed, and fairness—ensuring your home sale is stress-free and financially beneficial.
1. Can I sell my home if I owe back property taxes?
Yes. Reputable cash buyers like Homeowner Relief.com purchase homes with tax liens or unpaid property taxes. The taxes are paid off during the closing process.
2. How do back taxes affect the sale price?
The amount owed in taxes is subtracted from your sale proceeds at closing. However, you won’t have to pay anything upfront—the buyer handles the payment through the title company.
3. Can I sell my home if it’s facing a tax foreclosure?
Yes, but timing is crucial. If you sell before the foreclosure auction, the buyer can pay off your taxes and stop the process.
4. How long does it take to sell to a we buy houses buyer?
Most transactions close within 7–21 days, depending on your local title processing timeline.
5. Are there any fees or commissions when selling to a cash buyer?
No. Companies like Homeowner Relief.com cover all closing costs and charge no commissions or hidden fees.