How to Find Unpaid Property Taxes: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer

• Unpaid property taxes can lead to liens and eventual foreclosure.
• The primary way to find unpaid property taxes is by checking official county or municipal tax assessor/collector websites.
• You’ll typically need the property’s address or parcel number for your search.
• Be aware of potential tax sales or auctions for properties with delinquent taxes.
• If you’re buying or selling a property, a title company or real estate attorney will handle this check.

What to check first (before you file or change withholding)

Filing Status

Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.) significantly impacts your tax liability. Ensure you are using the most advantageous status for your situation.

Income Sources

Gather all documentation for income received throughout the tax year. This includes W-2s, 1099s for freelance work or investments, and any other relevant income statements.

Withholding or Estimated Payments

Review your W-4 form with your employer to ensure the correct amount of tax is being withheld from each paycheck. If you have significant income outside of regular employment, make sure your estimated tax payments are on track.

Deductions and Credits

Identify potential deductions and credits you may be eligible for. This could include deductions for student loan interest, educator expenses, or credits for child and dependent care.

Deadlines and Extensions (General)

Be aware of the federal tax filing deadline, typically April 15th, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday. If you need more time, you can file for an extension, but remember this is an extension to file, not an extension to pay.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Identify the Property: Determine the specific property for which you want to check unpaid property taxes. This could be your own home, a property you are considering purchasing, or a property you own that you suspect may have delinquent taxes.

• What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of the property’s location and ownership.
• Common mistake: Assuming you know the exact address without verifying it, especially for inherited properties or when dealing with multiple addresses. Always double-check the official address.

2. Locate the Governing Jurisdiction: Find out which county or municipality is responsible for assessing and collecting property taxes for that specific location.

• What “good” looks like: You know the name of the county and/or city that handles property taxes for the property.
• Common mistake: Searching in the wrong jurisdiction (e.g., searching in a neighboring county’s website). Confirm the correct taxing authority.

3. Access the Official Website: Navigate to the official website of the county or municipal tax assessor, tax collector, or treasurer’s office. These are usually government-run sites.

• What “good” looks like: You are on the legitimate government website for tax information, not a third-party commercial site.
• Common mistake: Landing on a third-party site that may charge for information or provide outdated data. Always look for “.gov” or official county/city domains.

4. Find the Property Search Tool: Look for a section on the website labeled “Property Search,” “Tax Records,” “Parcel Search,” “Delinquent Taxes,” or similar.

• What “good” looks like: You have located the specific tool designed for searching property tax information.
• Common mistake: Giving up if the search function isn’t immediately obvious. Explore the website’s navigation menu or site map.

5. Enter Property Identifier: Input the necessary information to identify the property. This is most commonly the property’s street address or the parcel number (also known as an APN – Assessor’s Parcel Number).

• What “good” looks like: You have entered accurate identifying information and the search tool is processing your request.
• Common mistake: Incorrectly entering the address or parcel number, leading to no results or incorrect information. Verify the spelling of street names and the accuracy of the parcel number.

6. Review Property Tax Records: Examine the search results for the property. Look for information regarding the current tax amount due, past due amounts, any penalties or interest accrued, and the status of tax payments.

• What “good” looks like: You can clearly see the property’s tax status, including any outstanding balances.
• Common mistake: Misinterpreting the tax status. “Current” means paid for the current period, while “delinquent” or “unpaid” indicates a balance is owed.

7. Check for Tax Liens or Sales: Pay close attention to any notices about tax liens placed on the property or upcoming tax sales/auctions. These indicate serious delinquency.

• What “good” looks like: You are aware if any liens exist or if the property is scheduled for a tax sale.
• Common mistake: Overlooking warnings about tax liens or sales, which could mean losing the property. These are critical indicators of unpaid taxes.

8. Note Payment Due Dates and Procedures: If unpaid taxes are found, identify the exact amounts owed, including penalties and interest, and the deadline for payment to avoid further action.

• What “good” looks like: You have a clear list of what needs to be paid, by when, and how to make the payment.
• Common mistake: Missing the payment deadline after discovering the delinquency. Mark your calendar and make payments promptly.

9. Contact the Tax Office (if needed): If the online information is unclear, incomplete, or you have questions, contact the tax assessor or collector’s office directly.

• What “good” looks like: You have spoken to a representative who can clarify your specific situation.
• Common mistake: Relying solely on online information if it’s confusing. A phone call can resolve ambiguities quickly.

10. Record and Track Payments: Once payment is made, keep meticulous records of the transaction, including confirmation numbers and dates.

• What “good” looks like: You have proof of payment for all outstanding amounts.
• Common mistake: Not keeping records, which can cause issues if there’s a dispute later. Always save your payment receipts.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not checking for unpaid taxes before buying	You could inherit the tax debt and face liens or foreclosure on the property.	Always conduct a thorough title search and tax lien search as part of your due diligence when purchasing real estate.
Assuming taxes are always paid by mortgage company	If your mortgage is paid off or you have an escrow shortage, you may be responsible.	Verify how property taxes are paid. If you have an escrow account, review your mortgage statements and escrow analysis annually.
Ignoring delinquent tax notices	Accumulation of penalties and interest, potential tax lien, and eventually tax sale.	Respond immediately to any notices received. Contact the tax office to understand the amount owed and payment options.
Searching in the wrong jurisdiction	You won’t find accurate information and may miss critical details.	Confirm the correct county or municipality responsible for the property’s taxes before starting your search.
Relying on outdated or unofficial websites	You might miss current tax obligations or pay incorrect amounts.	Always use official government websites for tax information (look for .gov domains).
Misunderstanding tax sale procedures	You could lose the property at auction or incur unexpected costs.	Research your local tax sale laws and procedures thoroughly. Consult with a real estate attorney if you plan to bid on properties at tax sales.
Not verifying property identifiers	You might pull up information for the wrong property, leading to confusion.	Double-check the property address and parcel number for accuracy before submitting your search query.
Failing to pay after discovering a debt	Escalating penalties, interest, legal fees, and eventual loss of property.	Prioritize paying off delinquent taxes as soon as possible. Explore payment plans or loans if you cannot pay the full amount immediately.
Not keeping payment records	Difficulty proving payment if a dispute arises or if the tax office makes an error.	Always obtain and retain receipts, confirmation numbers, and any other documentation for all property tax payments made.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are purchasing a property, then you must verify there are no unpaid property taxes because unpaid taxes can become your responsibility after closing.
• If you receive a notice from the county tax office, then read it carefully and respond promptly because ignoring it will lead to penalties and further action.
• If your property is listed for a tax sale, then you need to pay all outstanding taxes and fees immediately to prevent the property from being auctioned off.
• If you are unsure about your property tax status, then check the official county tax assessor or collector’s website because it is the most reliable source of information.
• If you find unpaid taxes on your property, then determine the exact amount owed, including penalties and interest, because you need to know the total liability.
• If you cannot afford to pay the full amount of unpaid taxes, then contact the tax office to inquire about payment plans or installment options because they may be able to work with you.
• If you are using a mortgage with an escrow account, then review your annual escrow statement to ensure property taxes are being paid as expected because sometimes errors or shortages can occur.
• If you are a real estate investor looking to buy properties at tax sales, then thoroughly research the local tax sale laws and the specific property’s history because these sales have strict rules and potential risks.
• If you find that a previous owner left unpaid property taxes on a property you now own, then you may need to consult with a real estate attorney because the process for resolving this can be complex.
• If you are trying to sell a property, then ensure all property taxes are paid up to date before closing because the title company will flag any delinquencies.
• If you find a discrepancy in your property tax records, then contact the tax assessor’s office immediately to clarify and correct the information because accuracy is crucial.

FAQ

Q1: How often are property taxes assessed and collected?

Property taxes are typically assessed annually. However, collection schedules vary by jurisdiction; some collect semi-annually, quarterly, or even monthly through escrow.

Q2: What happens if property taxes go unpaid for a long time?

If property taxes remain unpaid, the taxing authority will likely place a lien on the property. Over time, this can lead to the property being sold at a tax sale to satisfy the debt.

Q3: Can I dispute my property tax assessment?

Yes, most jurisdictions allow property owners to appeal their property tax assessment if they believe it is too high. There are specific procedures and deadlines for filing such appeals.

Q4: Does a tax lien mean I will lose my property immediately?

Not necessarily. A tax lien is a legal claim on the property for unpaid taxes. Foreclosure (which leads to losing the property) typically occurs after a period of delinquency, following specific legal processes.

Q5: Where can I find my property’s parcel number?

Your parcel number (or APN) can usually be found on your property tax bill, your property deed, or by searching your county’s tax assessor’s website.

Q6: What is a tax sale or tax auction?

A tax sale is an auction where properties with significant delinquent property taxes are sold to recover the unpaid taxes. Buyers at these sales often pay off the back taxes and acquire the property.

Q7: If I sell my house, who pays the unpaid property taxes?

Typically, unpaid property taxes are settled at the closing of the sale. The seller is responsible for paying any outstanding taxes up to the date of sale.

Q8: Can I get a loan to pay off my back property taxes?

Yes, some lenders offer property tax loans or home equity loans that can be used to pay off delinquent property taxes. However, carefully consider the interest rates and terms.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific tax laws or rates for your state, county, or city.
• Next steps: Consult your local tax assessor or collector’s office, or visit their official government website.
• Detailed advice on appealing property tax assessments.
• Next steps: Research your local property tax appeal process and look for guidance from your county’s assessment board.
• Legal advice regarding tax liens or foreclosures.
• Next steps: Consult with a qualified real estate attorney in your area.
• Investment strategies related to tax lien certificates or tax deed sales.
• Next steps: Research reputable sources on tax lien investing and consider consulting a financial advisor specializing in real estate investments.
• The process of setting up or managing mortgage escrow accounts.
• Next steps: Contact your mortgage lender or servicer for information specific to your loan.