Falling behind on property taxes happens to a lot of good people: a job loss, a medical bill, a parent who passed away, or a house that just got too expensive to keep up. In Texas, unpaid taxes grow fast, and if they go long enough, the taxing entities can sue and sell the property at a tax sale.
Longhorn Home Buyers buys houses in San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Dripping Springs and across Hays County that are behind on property taxes, in a tax lawsuit, or close to a tax sale. In most cases the back taxes are paid off from the sale at closing, so you don’t need to come up with the money first.
How delinquent property taxes grow in Texas
Texas property taxes are generally due by January 31 and become delinquent on February 1. From there, penalties and interest are added every month. Starting around July 1, an additional collection fee can be added when the account is turned over to the tax attorney, often around 20% more. A bill that started out manageable can grow quickly in a single year.
If the taxes stay unpaid, the taxing entities can file a lawsuit, get a judgment, and have the property sold at a tax sale, usually held on the first Tuesday of the month. Even after a sale there may be a limited right of redemption, but that requires paying the amount bid plus additional costs. For most families, selling before the sale gives a better result.
Your options when you’re behind
- Pay it off or set up a payment plan. The Hays County Tax Office and the tax attorney can sometimes offer installment agreements. If you want to keep the house and can afford it, this is often the best first call.
- Ask about a deferral. Homeowners who are 65 or older, disabled, or qualifying disabled veterans may be able to defer taxes on their homestead. Ask the tax office whether you qualify.
- Sell before the tax sale. If keeping the house isn’t realistic, selling lets you pay off the taxes, avoid the sale, and walk away with any remaining equity instead of losing it.
We’re glad to talk through all three. If selling is the right move, we can make a cash offer and close quickly.
How we handle the back taxes
We typically close through a Texas title company. The title company gets the exact payoff from the Hays County Tax Office, or from the attorney handling the tax suit, and the taxes, penalties and fees are paid out of the sale at closing before any proceeds go to you.
If a tax lawsuit has already been filed or a sale date is set, time matters. Call us as early as you can so there’s room to close before the sale date.
Situations we buy
- Houses one or more years behind on property taxes
- Properties with a delinquent tax lawsuit filed
- Houses scheduled for a sheriff’s or constable’s tax sale
- Inherited houses where taxes weren’t paid after a parent passed away (see inherited houses)
- Vacant houses, rentals and land with back taxes
- Houses that need repairs, cleanup or major work
How it works
- Tell us about the property. Call or text 512-995-7498 or fill out the form. The address and roughly how far behind the taxes are is enough to start.
- We look up the tax account. We check what’s owed, whether there’s a lawsuit, and any sale date.
- Get a cash offer. We’ll show you how the taxes and closing costs are handled and what you’d walk away with.
- Close before the deadline. No repairs, no cleaning, no showings and no agent commissions.
Areas we serve
We buy tax-delinquent houses throughout Hays County, including San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Niederwald. We also buy in the surrounding counties, including Travis, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Bastrop, Blanco and Williamson.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my house if I’m behind on property taxes?
Yes. In most cases the delinquent taxes, penalties and fees are paid out of the sale proceeds at closing, so you don’t need to pay them first.
Can I still sell if there’s a tax lawsuit?
Usually, yes, as long as the sale closes before the tax sale. The payoff will include court costs and attorney fees, which are handled at closing. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have.
What happens at a tax sale in Texas?
The property is sold at public auction, usually on the first Tuesday of the month. Any money left after the taxes and costs may be available to the former owner, but the process is slow and the price is often far below what a direct sale would bring.
Can I get my house back after a tax sale?
Texas law may allow a limited right of redemption after a tax sale, with a longer window for homesteads and agricultural land. It requires paying the purchase price plus additional costs within the deadline. Talk with a Texas attorney about your specific situation.
Will you buy if I owe more in taxes than the house is worth?
It depends on the numbers. Call us and we’ll look at it honestly, even if selling to us isn’t the best fit.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No. We’re real estate buyers, not attorneys or tax professionals. For legal questions, talk with a Texas real estate attorney or contact the Hays County Tax Office.
Get your cash offer
Behind on property taxes in Hays County? Call or text Longhorn Home Buyers at 512-995-7498, email thomas@longhornhomebuyers.com, or fill out the form below. We’ll give you straight answers and a fair cash offer.