Unpaid property taxes attach to your home as a lien in favor of the county, and over years of delinquency the county can eventually move toward a tax sale. The good news: delinquent property taxes are almost always paid from the sale at closing, so selling resolves them cleanly. Brian Cooper helps Simi Valley and Santa Clarita Valley owners sell and clear the county tax balance.
How property tax liens work
In California, property taxes that go unpaid become delinquent and accrue penalties and interest, attaching to the property as a priority lien for the county. After an extended period of delinquency, the property can become tax-defaulted, and eventually the county can sell it to recover the taxes. Acting before that stage keeps you in control.
For most sellers, the fix is simple: the county provides a payoff figure, and the delinquent taxes are paid from the sale proceeds at closing, which clears the lien and lets title transfer clean. The exact balance, penalties, and any redemption deadlines should be confirmed with the county tax collector.
Important: This page is general information for educational purposes — it is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Every situation differs. Confirm your rights, deadlines, court procedures, and any current fees or dollar figures with a licensed California attorney, CPA, or qualified fiduciary before acting. Brian Cooper is a REALTOR®, not an attorney or tax adviser.
The steps Brian walks you through
- Obtain the county tax collector's payoff figure, including penalties and interest.
- Order title to confirm the tax lien and any other clouds.
- Brian values and markets the home, structuring the tax payoff from sale proceeds.
- Escrow coordinates the payoff with the county.
- The county lien is satisfied at closing and title clears.
- Close escrow; remaining proceeds go to you.
Don't wait for a tax sale
The biggest risk is inaction. If delinquency runs long enough to reach a tax-defaulted-property sale, you can lose the home and much of your equity for far less than market value. Selling on the open market, with the taxes paid at closing, almost always nets you more. Brian helps you move before deadlines close in on your Simi Valley or Santa Clarita Valley property.
Who you'll coordinate with
- The county tax collector — the payoff figure and any redemption deadlines.
- Escrow and title — coordinating the payoff and clearing the lien.
- A CPA or attorney — if delinquency is severe or other liens exist.
- Brian — valuation, marketing, and structuring the payoff at closing.
How Brian makes it smoother
Delinquent taxes feel scary but are usually the easiest lien to clear, paid right out of the sale. Brian gets the county payoff, coordinates with escrow, and keeps the sale moving so the taxes are resolved at closing and you keep the rest of your Simi Valley or Santa Clarita Valley equity.
Equal service for every owner
Brian serves every client equally and welcomes all buyers and sellers without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or any other protected characteristic. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a home with delinquent property taxes?
Yes. Delinquent property taxes are typically paid from the sale proceeds at closing, which clears the county lien and lets title transfer clean.
What happens if I do nothing?
Long-term delinquency can lead to the property becoming tax-defaulted and eventually sold by the county for the taxes owed, often well below market. Acting early protects your equity.
Do I need cash to pay the back taxes?
Usually not, they are paid from the sale at closing. Brian coordinates the county payoff with escrow.
Where do I find my payoff amount?
From the county tax collector, who provides the balance including penalties and interest, plus any redemption deadlines.
Are there deadlines I should know about?
Yes, redemption and tax-sale timelines matter. Confirm them with the county tax collector and act before they pass.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is general information. The county tax collector, and an attorney or CPA if needed, must confirm your balance, deadlines, and any tax consequences.
