Falling behind on property taxes is more common than most people think, especially with an inherited house, a vacant property, or after a job loss or medical bills. The good news is that you usually have time to fix it. The bad news is that the balance keeps growing, and if it goes unpaid long enough, the county can take the property.
How Property Tax Foreclosure Generally Works in Oregon
- Unpaid property taxes in Oregon generally accrue interest of about 1 1/3% per month, which adds up to roughly 16% a year.
- Once taxes are generally three years delinquent, the county can start a tax foreclosure.
- After a foreclosure judgment, there is generally a redemption period, often around two years, before the county takes the deed.
- After that, the county can sell the property, and you can lose the equity you built.
Every county handles the details a little differently, so call your county tax collector (for example, Multnomah, Washington or Clackamas County) to confirm your exact balance and dates. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Your Options
- Pay the balance if you can, or ask the county about payment arrangements.
- Check for programs such as Oregon’s senior and disabled property tax deferral, if you qualify.
- Sell the house. The back taxes are paid off at closing out of the sale proceeds, and you keep what is left.
How a Cash Sale Helps
We can buy the house as-is and close quickly, often before the next deadline. The title company pays the county directly at closing, along with any mortgage, so you walk away with the balance and without the debt. Many of these houses are also inherited or need major repairs, and that is fine with us.
We buy houses across the Portland metro, including North, Northeast, Southeast and East Portland, plus Fairview, Gresham, Beaverton, Tigard, Milwaukie and Vancouver, WA.
Behind on taxes and not sure where to start? Call York Home Buyers at 971-940-4528. We will give you a straight answer and a fair, no-obligation cash offer.