Selling a House With a Tax Lien in Maricopa County
It is one of the most common worries we hear from Phoenix-metro homeowners behind on taxes: “Can I even sell if there is a tax lien on the house?” The short answer is yes — and it is usually the cleanest way out.
Get Your Free Cash Offer Now!
Fill out this form to get your no-obligation all cash offer started!
Fill out this form to get your no-obligation all cash offer started!
Get Your Free Offer TODAY!
Fill In This Form To Get Your No-Obligation All Cash Offer Started!
What an Arizona Property Tax Lien Actually Is
In Arizona, unpaid property taxes create a lien on the property under ARS Title 42, and the county can sell that lien to an investor as a certificate of purchase. The lien is attached to the property — not to you personally — which is exactly why it can be resolved through a sale. The Maricopa County Treasurer tracks the amount required to redeem each parcel.
How the Lien Gets Cleared at Closing
When you sell, the title company calculates the exact redemption amount — back taxes, interest, and fees through the closing date. That amount is paid directly from the sale proceeds before anything goes to you. The lien is released, the buyer takes clear title, and you receive whatever equity remains. You do not need to pay the lien out of pocket first; it comes out of the sale.
Why This Beats Letting the Redemption Window Expire
Because the lien is paid from proceeds, selling is almost always better than doing nothing. If the three-year redemption period under ARS Title 42 runs out and the certificate holder forecloses, a Treasurer's Deed can transfer the property and wipe out your equity. Selling first means the taxes get paid and you keep the difference. On a typical Maricopa County home, that difference is often substantial.
Selling As-Is, Even With Other Problems
Tax liens often travel with other issues — deferred repairs, a tenant still in place, an inherited property nobody has maintained. Your Caring Home Buyer buys as-is, in any condition and any situation. You do not need to fix anything, clear anything out, or settle the lien before you call. We handle the payoff at closing.
Get a Number and See What You Keep
Call 602-755-3990 or fill out the form. We will give you a fair all-cash offer in 24 hours, show you how the lien payoff works, and close in as little as 7 days — so you walk away with your equity instead of losing it.
Get Your Free Offer TODAY!
Fill In This Form To Get Your No-Obligation All Cash Offer Started!