Behind on property taxes in Lakeland? Polk County tax liens can lead to foreclosure and tax deed sales. We buy tax delinquent properties for cash, pay off back taxes at closing, and help you avoid losing your home. Licensed Florida Realtor.
Get Cash Offer - Tax Delinquent Property 📞 941-263-1121When property taxes go unpaid in Lakeland, the Polk County Tax Collector places a lien on your property. If taxes remain unpaid for two years, your property can be sold at a tax deed sale, and you lose ownership entirely.
Quick Offer Homes FL helps Lakeland homeowners facing tax delinquency by purchasing their properties for cash. We pay off the back taxes at closing, allowing you to walk away with your remaining equity instead of losing everything at a tax sale.
Florida uses a tax deed system (not tax lien certificates like some states). Here's how it works in Polk County:
Unpaid taxes become liens against your Lakeland property. Interest and penalties accrue at 18% annually. The Polk County Tax Collector sends delinquency notices.
If taxes remain unpaid for two years, Polk County sells tax certificates to investors who pay your delinquent taxes. These investors earn 18% interest on their investment.
You have two years from the tax certificate sale to "redeem" your property by paying the back taxes plus 18% interest to the certificate holder. If you don't redeem, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed.
Once the certificate holder applies for a tax deed, Polk County schedules your Lakeland property for public auction. The property is sold to the highest bidder, and you lose ownership. Any equity above the tax debt may be available to you, but claiming it requires legal action.
Tax delinquency in Lakeland includes:
A property that's two years delinquent might owe $6,000-10,000 or more depending on assessed value and accumulated interest.
Job loss, medical bills, divorce, or other financial emergencies make it impossible to keep up with property tax payments.
When someone inherits a Lakeland property they don't live in, they may not realize taxes are due or can't afford to pay them while the property sits empty.
If you recently paid off your mortgage or refinanced, you may have lost escrow and didn't realize you're now responsible for paying taxes directly.
Elderly Lakeland homeowners on fixed incomes sometimes can't afford rising property tax bills, especially as Florida assessments increase.
At a tax deed sale, your property might sell for just enough to cover the tax debt - you lose all your equity. By selling to us, you receive fair market value minus the tax lien, preserving your equity.
A tax deed sale is similar to foreclosure on your credit report. Selling voluntarily protects your credit.
At 18% annually, tax debt grows quickly. Selling immediately stops this accumulation.
We pay all closing costs. The tax lien is paid from proceeds, and you receive the remaining equity.
We research your property's tax status with the Polk County Tax Collector to determine exactly how much is owed.
We evaluate your Lakeland property's current market value in as-is condition.
We make a cash offer based on market value. The tax lien will be paid from proceeds at closing, and you receive the difference.
We can close in 7-14 days. The title company coordinates payment of the tax lien directly to Polk County or the certificate holder.
Yes. Tax liens don't prevent the sale - they're paid from the proceeds at closing, just like a mortgage would be.
This is rare but possible with severely deteriorated properties. Contact us anyway - we may be able to negotiate with Polk County or structure a solution.
Contact the Polk County Tax Collector at (863) 534-4700 or visit polktaxes.com to look up your property's tax status.
Consult a tax professional. Generally, selling your primary residence has capital gains exemptions, but tax situations vary.
Yes! That's the whole point. We close quickly to stop the tax deed process and prevent you from losing your property at auction.
Don't lose your home and equity at a tax sale. Get a fair cash offer today.
📞 941-263-1121 Get Cash Offer