Behind on property taxes? Sell before tax foreclosure.

How tax foreclosure works in New York

When town, school or county taxes go unpaid, most counties take over the delinquency and can eventually foreclose through an in-rem proceeding under Article 11 of the Real Property Tax Law. There is a redemption period, typically two years from the lien date in many counties, and interest and penalties keep accruing. After that, the county can take title.

Who holds your delinquency depends on where the house is. In Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess and Ulster, the county Commissioner of Finance generally enforces; in Sullivan, Greene and Columbia, the County Treasurer does. Westchester is different: many cities and towns, including Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and White Plains, enforce their own taxes. Cities like Newburgh, Middletown, Port Jervis, Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Kingston and Hudson also collect their own city taxes.

Your equity matters

After the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 Tyler v. Hennepin County decision, New York changed its law in 2024 so that former owners may claim surplus from tax foreclosure sales. But that process takes time and is not guaranteed to recover full value. Selling yourself before the county takes title usually keeps far more control in your hands.

How a sale handles back taxes

At closing, the title company gets a payoff figure for all delinquent taxes, interest and penalties, and pays them from the sale proceeds. You don't need to come up with the money first. We'll need the address and, if you have it, the latest tax bill or delinquency notice.

Other help

Some counties offer installment agreements, and seniors or veterans may qualify for exemptions. Call your county finance office or treasurer to ask what's available before deciding.

Other liens we can handle

Unpaid water and sewer charges, judgments, mechanic's liens and old mortgages can also show up on a title search. Most can be paid from proceeds at closing as well.

Where we buy

We buy in Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Greene, Columbia counties. See all areas.

Other situations

• Foreclosure
• Inherited / probate
• Divorce
• Tired landlord
• House needs repairs
• Relocation
• Avoid agent fees