Can You Sell a House With Back Taxes in Utah?
Behind on Property Taxes? You’re Not Alone.
Falling behind on property taxes can happen for a lot of reasons—job loss, medical bills, divorce, or just tough financial times. If you’re a Utah homeowner trying to figure out whether you can sell your house with back taxes owed, the short answer is: yes, you can.
Even if the county has placed a tax lien on your property, you still have options. And if you’re facing the risk of foreclosure due to unpaid taxes, acting quickly is key.
At Scout Peak Home Buyers, we work with Utah homeowners every day who need to sell homes fast, even with complicated tax or legal issues hanging over them. We buy houses with tax liens, overdue bills, or even auction dates on the horizon.
What Happens When You Owe Back Property Taxes in Utah?
If you miss property tax payments in Utah, the county can eventually place a lien on your home. That lien gives them the legal right to collect what’s owed—even if that means forcing a sale at a tax auction down the road.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Year 1: You miss a property tax payment.
- Year 2–3: Penalties and interest accrue. A lien may be filed.
- Year 4: The county can sell your home at a tax auction to recover the debt.
That’s why it’s so important to explore your options before the tax sale takes place. You may still be able to walk away with cash in your pocket if you sell now—before the county takes over.
Can You Sell a House With a Tax Lien?
Yes. Even with a tax lien in place, you can still sell your house. But there are a few things to know:
- The tax lien must be paid off at closing
Any money you owe will come out of the proceeds from the sale. - Traditional buyers may be hesitant
If you list your house on the market, many retail buyers won’t want to deal with the legal and financial red tape that comes with a lien. - Cash buyers make it easier
A local Utah cash home buyer like Scout Peak can take care of the lien as part of the sale—no hassle for you.
What If You Owe More Than the House Is Worth?
This is where things get tricky. If your home is worth less than what you owe in taxes, mortgage, or other liens combined, it may qualify as a short sale.
While short sales are more complex, we can help walk you through that too. Our team has experience working with homeowners, lienholders, and attorneys to find solutions that work.
Even if you’re underwater on your mortgage and owe thousands in taxes, don’t give up. There are still ways to avoid foreclosure and minimize the damage to your credit.
Why Homeowners Sell to Scout Peak Home Buyers
When you’re behind on taxes, time matters. Our team offers:
- Fast cash offers (within 24–48 hours)
- No fees or commissions
- We buy houses as-is — no cleaning or repairs
- We handle the lien payoff so you don’t have to
- Discreet, no-pressure process
We’ve helped homeowners in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and throughout Utah sell homes with liens, title issues, and even looming auction dates. We’re not here to judge—just to help you move on.
What Types of Properties Qualify?
We buy all types of Utah real estate, including:
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes, triplexes, and multifamily units
- Vacant land with tax liens
- Inherited properties with back taxes
- Abandoned or boarded-up homes
If you’re thinking, “No one would want this place,”—think again. We’ve seen it all and can give you a fair, honest offer no matter what condition your property is in.
How the Process Works
- Reach out and tell us a little about the property.
- We’ll schedule a quick walkthrough or virtual tour.
- Get a cash offer within 1–2 days.
- Choose your closing date — we can close in as little as 7 days.
- We handle the lien payoff directly at closing.
No agents. No listings. No surprises.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Tax Lien Take Your Home
If you’re dealing with back taxes on your Utah home, the worst thing you can do is wait. Tax auctions are public, final, and often result in you walking away with nothing.
Selling your house to a local, trusted cash home buyer like Scout Peak could give you a way out—quickly, privately, and with cash in hand.
Call us today or request your no-obligation cash offer online. We’re here to help you move forward.