Houston & surrounding areas

Behind on property taxes in the Houston area?

Penalties and interest add up fast. You have more options than you might think, and selling is only one of them.

How it works in Texas

Texas property taxes are due by January 31. After that, penalties and interest start adding up every month, and collection attorneys' fees can be added later. If taxes stay unpaid, the taxing units can sue and eventually sell the property at a tax sale.

Tax bills are collected by your county's tax office, not the appraisal district. If you're in Harris County, that's the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector.

Options to look at first

Payment plan: county tax offices offer installment agreements for many homeowners. Call yours and ask.
Deferral: if you're 65 or older, disabled, or a disabled veteran and it's your homestead, Texas law may let you defer the taxes while you live there.
Exemptions: make sure your homestead exemption is filed. It lowers the bill going forward.

If one of those solves it, great. Do that.

When selling makes more sense

If the house is a rental, vacant, inherited, or simply more than you can keep up with, selling before a tax sale protects your equity. The back taxes are paid at closing out of the sale proceeds, and you walk away with the rest. We buy as-is and can close in a few weeks when there's a deadline.

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Fill out the short form. We'll call or text to ask a few questions, usually the same day. No obligation.

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Common questions

Do I need to pay the taxes before I sell?

No. Back taxes are paid by the title company at closing, out of the sale price.

There's already a tax lawsuit. Is it too late?

Usually not, as long as the sale happens before the tax sale date. Contact us quickly so there's time to close.

Other situations we help with

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so confirm details with the right office or an attorney.