If you're behind on property taxes, you're not alone — and you're not out of options. Thousands of homeowners in Texas and Georgia fall behind on property taxes every year due to financial hardship, job loss, medical bills, or simply losing track of payments. The good news is that selling your home — even with significant back taxes owed — is very possible, and in many cases it's the best way to protect yourself from losing the property entirely through tax foreclosure.
What Happens When You Don't Pay Property Taxes
In both Texas and Georgia, unpaid property taxes become a lien on your home — meaning the government has a legal claim against the property. Over time, penalties, interest, and attorney fees stack up, making the debt grow significantly. Here's what the timeline looks like:
Texas Property Tax Delinquency Timeline
- February 1: Taxes become delinquent if unpaid
- July 1: Account turned over to collection attorneys — additional 20% fee added
- Following years: Penalties and interest continue to compound at up to 47.6% in the first year alone
- Tax foreclosure suit: County can file suit and eventually force a sheriff's sale of your property
Georgia Property Tax Delinquency Timeline
- December 20: Taxes due — unpaid taxes become delinquent
- After delinquency: 1% monthly interest plus penalties begin accruing
- 12+ months delinquent: County can issue a tax deed and sell the property at auction
💡 In Texas, once a tax foreclosure judgment is entered, the redemption period is only 2 years for homesteads. In Georgia, the right of redemption after a tax sale is just 12 months. Acting before foreclosure is critical.
Can You Sell a House With Back Taxes?
Yes — absolutely. Selling a home with delinquent property taxes is very common and completely legal. When you sell, the back taxes get paid out of the proceeds at closing through the title company. You don't need to pay them off before selling. The title company handles the payoff directly to the taxing authority.
This means that as long as your home has enough equity to cover the back taxes (plus any mortgage balance), you can sell, pay off all the liens, and walk away with whatever is left.
What If the Taxes Are More Than the Equity?
If your back taxes plus mortgage balance exceed your home's value, a standard sale may not work — but you still have options. A short sale (where the lender and taxing authority agree to accept less than owed) may be possible, or there may be tax abatement programs available. Royal Groups Realty can help you evaluate the numbers and determine the best path forward.
Why Cash Buyers Are the Best Option for Tax-Delinquent Properties
- We buy as-is — no repairs required even if the home has deteriorated
- We close fast — often before additional penalties accumulate
- No financing contingencies — traditional buyers need lenders who won't touch tax-delinquent titles
- We handle the title work — our team works directly with county tax offices to resolve delinquencies at closing
- No agent commissions — more of the proceeds go toward paying off the tax debt
Behind on Property Taxes? We Can Help.
Get a cash offer within 24 hours. We'll handle the back taxes at closing — you don't pay anything out of pocket before the sale.
Get My Cash Offer →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my home if it's in tax foreclosure?
In most cases yes — as long as a final judgment hasn't been entered and the property hasn't already been sold at auction. The sooner you act, the more options you have. Call us immediately at 469-665-8481 if you've received foreclosure notices.
Will selling stop the foreclosure process?
Yes. Once the property is sold and the tax debt is paid at closing, the foreclosure process stops. The taxing authority gets paid and releases the lien.
How much of the sale proceeds do I keep?
You keep whatever is left after paying off the back taxes, any mortgage balance, and closing costs. We'll give you a clear breakdown before you decide anything.
About Royal Groups Realty: We buy houses fast across Texas and Georgia including properties with delinquent taxes, liens, and other title complications. 6 years in business, 250+ closings. Call 469-665-8481.