Inherited a House Behind on Property Taxes? Here's What to Do

Inheriting a house is stressful enough; discovering it's years behind on property taxes adds real urgency. In Texas, unpaid property taxes don't just sit there — they grow, and they can eventually cost the family the home. Here's how to handle it.

Understand the clock

Texas property taxes are a lien on the home. When they go unpaid, penalties and interest pile up quickly, and the taxing authorities can file a tax suit and ultimately sell the property at a tax foreclosure auction. Acting sooner gives you far more options.

Your options

• Pay the back taxes — if the family has the cash and wants to keep the home.
• Set up a payment plan — some Texas counties offer installment agreements on delinquent taxes.
• Sell the house — the back taxes are simply paid out of the sale proceeds at closing, so you don't pay them out of pocket.

Selling before the tax sale

If the family doesn't want to (or can't) pour money into the property, selling before the tax auction lets you walk away with cash instead of losing the home for nothing. As long as you act before the property is sold at auction, a sale can usually still close in time.

We buy tax-delinquent inherited homes

We buy inherited and heir properties that are behind on taxes — as-is, and we can pay the delinquent taxes at closing. If there's a tax suit already filed, reach out right away so we can move quickly. Tell us about the property below.