Behind on Property Taxes in Augusta, GA?

Falling behind on property taxes happens to a lot of good people, especially with an inherited house or a rental that stopped paying. If you'd rather sell than catch up, we can buy the house as-is and pay the back taxes at closing.

Back taxes and penalties paid at closing
Nothing to pay upfront
Close in as few as 14 days, or on the date you choose, before a tax sale date when possible
Any condition, no repairs or cleanout

Prefer to talk? Call or text (706) 397-4774

Get a cash offer on the house

How Delinquent Property Taxes Work in Georgia

The taxes go unpaid. Interest and penalties start adding up after the due date, and the county tax commissioner sends notices.
A tax execution is issued. The tax commissioner can issue a tax execution (often called a fi. fa.) against the property, which acts as a lien.
The property is scheduled for a tax sale. After required notices, the property can be sold at a public tax sale, usually on the first Tuesday of the month at the county courthouse.
The redemption period starts. After a sale, the owner can generally still redeem the property for at least 12 months by paying the sale price plus a premium that grows over time. After that, the buyer can move to cut off the right to redeem.

Richmond County taxes are handled by the Richmond County Tax Commissioner in Augusta, and Columbia County taxes by the Columbia County Tax Commissioner. For North Augusta and Aiken, it's the Aiken County Treasurer, and South Carolina has its own tax sale and redemption rules.

We're not attorneys and this isn't legal or tax advice. If a sale date has been set or the house has already been sold, call the tax commissioner's office or a real estate attorney to confirm your deadlines.

Your Options When You're Behind

Pay it in full. If you can, this is the simplest way to stop the clock.
Ask about a payment arrangement. Some tax offices will work with you before a property goes to sale. Call and ask.
Refinance or borrow against the house. If you have equity and qualify, this can clear the taxes and keep the house.
Sell the house. If keeping it doesn't make sense, selling pays off the taxes and puts the remaining equity in your pocket instead of losing it at a tax sale.

We'll tell you honestly if one of the first three makes more sense for you. If selling is the right move, we can usually close fast enough to beat a scheduled sale date.

Why Owners Behind on Taxes Call Us

An inherited house where nobody has been paying the taxes
A rental with problem tenants that stopped covering its costs
A vacant house or lot that's become more of a burden than it's worth
Behind on the mortgage too, or facing foreclosure
Land or a mobile home with land with years of back taxes

Property Tax Questions

Can I sell my house if I'm behind on property taxes?

Usually, yes. The back taxes, interest and penalties are paid out of the sale at closing, along with any mortgage. You don't need to pay them first, and whatever is left after closing is yours.

How long before the county sells my house for back taxes?

It varies by county and by how far behind you are. In Georgia, the tax commissioner can issue a tax execution on unpaid taxes and eventually schedule a tax sale, which is usually held on the first Tuesday of the month. Once a sale date is set, time is short, so call as early as you can.

My house was already sold at a tax sale. Is it too late?

Not always. In Georgia, the owner can generally redeem the property for at least 12 months after a tax sale by paying the sale price plus a premium. In South Carolina, there's generally a 12-month redemption period with interest. Selling during that window can still protect your equity. Talk to an attorney about your exact deadline.

What about excess funds from a tax sale?

If a tax sale brought in more than the taxes owed, the extra (excess funds) may be owed to the former owner. Ask the county tax commissioner's office or an attorney about claiming them.

Do you buy houses with other liens too?

Yes. Mortgages, code-enforcement liens, judgments and back taxes can usually all be paid off at closing, as long as the sale price covers them. We'll go over the numbers with you before you decide anything.

Where We Buy

We buy houses with back taxes in Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, North Augusta, Aiken and the rest of the CSRA. See all areas we serve.

What Sellers Say About Working With Us

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