Start with the actual file
You don't need to pay off your back taxes before we settle. We buy houses with back taxes and liens — payoffs get handled through the closing, not by you upfront. The actual payoff, lien priority, title, authority, proceeds, and closing feasibility still need to be confirmed for the property.
What a back-tax review needs to answer
What is the current payoff?
Use the current account or payoff information. Do not rely on an old bill when the amount, instructions, or deadline may have changed.
Which liens and priorities apply?
A title review must identify the items affecting the property and how they may affect proceeds or the ability to close.
Who has authority to sell?
Ownership, estate or fiduciary authority, signatures, and title requirements are specific to the actual file.
What timing is still available?
Bring every notice and date. Do not treat a cash close as changing a tax-sale date or stopping additional activity without confirmation.
What not to assume
Whether a sale is possible
Back taxes may affect a sale, but the answer depends on the actual title, payoff, authority, timing, and closing review.
A summary fits every payoff
Use the current written file rather than a general summary. The actual amount, instructions, and timing still need confirmation.
Whether a cash close changes every deadline
Do not treat a cash sale as changing a tax-sale date or county deadline. Confirm the date with the relevant professionals.
Whether equity remains
Whether proceeds remain after liens, payoffs, and closing items is property-specific. Compare the complete written numbers.
Whether one closing resolves every item
Title, lien priority, payoff instructions, authority, occupancy, and other requirements may still need separate confirmation.
Why a generic example is not your file
Use current documents and property-specific numbers. An old balance or a sample calculation is not a payoff statement.
A practical review sequence
Gather the notices
Collect tax notices, payoff or account information, mortgage details, ownership records, and any scheduled date.
Share the property details
Explain what you know about condition, access, occupancy, title, liens, authority, and the timing that matters to you.
Compare written terms
Written offer and written terms before you commit; title-company closing. Review the complete net and the items that still need confirmation.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. For questions about your obligations, deadlines, or tax treatment, consult the qualified professionals handling your property.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours. No obligation.
Back Taxes & Tax Liens — Common Questions
Can I sell my house if I have back property taxes in Pennsylvania?
A sale may be possible, but do not assume the answer from the tax balance alone. Payoff figures, lien priority, title, authority to sell, tax-sale timing, proceeds, and closing feasibility all need to be checked for the actual property.
Do I have to pay back taxes before settlement?
You don't need to pay off your back taxes before we settle. We buy houses with back taxes and liens — payoffs get handled through the closing, not by you upfront. The actual property file still needs title and closing review.
What information should I gather before asking for a review?
Gather the tax notices, payoff or account information, mortgage details, deed or ownership information, and any notice with a deadline. Share the property details you have so the title and closing teams can identify what still needs to be verified.
What if the payoff is larger than the expected sale proceeds?
Do not assume the sale will close or that money will remain for the seller. Compare the actual payoff, lien, title, and closing figures for the property, and ask qualified legal or tax professionals about questions outside the closing team's role.
What if a tax-sale date is scheduled?
Treat the date as time-sensitive and bring the notice to the review. Do not treat a cash sale as changing the date or deadline. The county and closing or title professionals must confirm the timing and any required authority or payoff steps.
Does a cash sale resolve every lien or payoff?
No. Lien priority, payoff instructions, seller authority, title requirements, and closing feasibility are specific to the property and jurisdiction. Do not assume one agreement or one closing resolves every item without confirmation in the actual written terms.
What will I receive before deciding?
Written offer and written terms before you commit; title-company closing. We give written cash offers in 24 hours. No obligation.
Is a cash sale always the best choice for a house with back taxes?
Not always. Compare the complete written net, the work and carrying costs of a listing, the title and payoff process, and the timing that matters to you. Choose the path that fits the actual property and your priorities.
Related: Sell As-Is Guide · Seller Guides · Seller Resources