Do I Have to Pay My Property Taxes if I'm in Foreclosure?

Carmen Dellutri

Founder & CEO

The answer to this question depends on if you want to try to keep your house. If you don’t plan on keeping it, then you don’t have to pay the property taxes. In this case, either the bank or future buyer will pay them. If you’re trying to keep the house, you should pay the property taxes. However, you can live in your house for up to 3 years without paying your property taxes before it goes to a tax deed. If you’re not sure if you’re going to keep it, don’t pay the taxes. Then, if you decide to walk away from the house, you didn’t pay the extra property tax. If you do decide to keep the house, you can pay the property tax back at a later date. It’s a good idea to put that money into a savings account so you can easily pay back those property taxes at a later date if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay property taxes if I'm in foreclosure? +

It depends on whether you want to keep the house. If you don't plan on keeping it, you don't have to pay the property taxes. If you're trying to keep the house, you should pay the property taxes.

How long can I live in my house without paying property taxes? +

You can live in your house for up to 3 years without paying your property taxes before it goes to a tax deed sale.

What if I'm not sure if I'm going to keep the house? +

If you're not sure, don't pay the taxes. Then, if you decide to walk away, you didn't pay the extra property tax. If you do decide to keep the house, you can pay the property tax back at a later date. It's a good idea to put that money into a savings account.

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