Contrary to what we sometimes hear from heirs, unpaid property taxes don’t disappear when someone passes away.
Are Heirs Personally Responsible for Back Taxes?
Generally:
- Taxes attach to the property, not the person
- But unpaid taxes can lead to tax sales
Ignoring them can eventually lead to the complete loss of the property to a county tax deed auction.
How Back Taxes Affect Selling
- Taxes usually must be paid at closing
- Buyers factor taxes into offers
- Title companies won’t ignore them
Practical Solutions
Many sellers resolve back taxes:
- Through the sale itself
- As part of a structured transaction
- Without paying upfront
If taxes are owed, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck – it just means they need to be addressed correctly.