Updated September 2025
Guide: Selling a Home with Back Taxes or Tax Liens in Kansas City
Owning a home with back taxes or tax liens can feel overwhelming and stressful. But you don’t have to wait for legal action or worry about mounting fees before finding a solution.
Our guide walks you through the process of selling a home burdened by tax issues in Kansas City, helping you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Ready to talk about selling? We buy homes as-is with no repairs or showings needed. Get a fast, fair cash offer for your Kansas City home today.
Can I sell a house with tax liens in KS or MO?
In both Missouri and Kansas, you can legally sell a property that has one or more tax liens attached. However, those liens must be addressed at or before closing.
Here's the good news:
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The liens don’t have to be paid upfront by you
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The sale proceeds can be used to clear the debt
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We work directly with the title company to handle the details
If there’s enough equity in the home, the liens are simply paid off at closing and you can walk away with the remaining balance.
Tax Liens Can Come from Different Sources
Not all liens are created equal. Common types we see in the Kansas City area include:
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Unpaid property taxes (county or city level)
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State or federal income tax liens
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Municipal fines or code enforcement liens
No matter the source, our team works with the appropriate agencies to order payoff statements and resolve the issue so you can sell without delays.
Act Before Your Tax Situation Situation Gets Worse
Liens grow over time. Penalties, interest, and fees can add up fast. In some cases, a home may even be scheduled for a tax sale if local property taxes remain unpaid.
If you've received a notice from Jackson County, Clay County, or Wyandotte County, you need to act fast. Selling before the county takes legal action is often the only way to keep any equity you’ve built.
You May Still Walk Away with Money
Many sellers are surprised to learn that even with tax liens, they still have equity left over. If your property is worth more than what’s owed, we’ll make an offer that reflects your actual situation, not just the lien amount.
In some cases, we can also help negotiate lien reductions before closing.
Why Choose Riverfront Home Buyers for Tax Lien Sales?
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Local Expertise: We understand how complex these situations are and have helped many homeowners in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties resolve lien issues and sell quickly.
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We Buy Homes As-Is: There is no need to fix, clean, or stage your home. We handle all lien payoffs and work with all parties involved, so selling is hassle-free.
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Fast Closings, Even With Complications: We often close in 10 to 21 days, even when liens are involved. In some cases, sales happen even faster.
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You Can Trust Us: Riverfront Home Buyers is a veteran-owned, family-run business right here in Kansas City. We are fully accredited by the BBB, bringing transparency to every transaction.
Blog: Tips & Resources for Homeowners With Unpaid Taxes in Kansas City
Explore articles written by our team on dealing with tax liens, avoiding scams, and navigating quick home sales.
FAQ: Selling a Home with unpaid taxes or tax liens
Our team answers the common questions about selling a property with unpaid taxes.
Can I sell my house in Kansas City if I owe years of property taxes?
Yes. In Kansas you can sell your home even if you owe multiple years of back property taxes. As long as your home’s value covers these debts, the title company will pay off the taxes, along with any penalties and interest, directly from the proceeds at closing. This means you do not have to come up with money upfront to clear the taxes.
Can I sell my house in Missouri if I owe years of property taxes?
Yes, you can sell your home in Missouri with unpaid property taxes. Riverfront Home Buyers works across Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties to help homeowners sell quickly, as-is, with no upfront costs. Even if your home is scheduled for a tax sale or auction, we can assist in making a fast sale to protect your equity.
Will I receive any proceeds from the sale if I owe back taxes?
Often, yes. After all liens, taxes, and closing costs are paid, any remaining equity goes to you. We provide clear and upfront estimates so you know exactly what to expect before agreeing to sell. Transparency is important to us.
What if my home is scheduled for a tax sale or foreclosure auction?
If your home is heading toward a tax sale or auction, there may still be time to stop it. You can prevent the sale by paying off your taxes before the auction date. Riverfront Home Buyers can often help close a sale before the auction happens. Timing is critical, so contact us as soon as possible.
Can I sell a house that has multiple liens such as tax liens, code violations, or other debts?
Yes. Whether you have property tax liens, IRS debts, unpaid city fees, or code enforcement violations, we coordinate with title companies and local authorities to settle all liens before closing. This allows you to sell your home as-is without worrying about further repairs or clean-up.
What if I inherited a home with unpaid taxes or liens?
You can still sell an inherited home with unpaid taxes or liens in Missouri or Kansas. We regularly help heirs in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties. Whether probate is ongoing or complete, we will guide you through the necessary paperwork and lien resolutions.
How fast can I sell my house if I have tax debt?
Riverfront Home Buyers specializes in quick, as-is sales. You can often close in as little as 10 to 21 days, even with liens involved. This beats county tax sale timelines that can run for months or even years.
What areas do you serve for lien-related home sales around Kansas City?
We buy homes across Kansas City, Grandview, Independence, Raytown, Liberty, Blue Springs, and throughout Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri, plus Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas. If you’re unsure about your location, here's a map of areas we serve.
Local Support Families Can Trust
Riverfront Home Buyers is a veteran-owned, family-run business in Kansas City and a BBB-accredited company with an A rating, trusted by local families across Missouri and Kansas.
TESTIMONIALS
“Fantastic team and couldn’t recommend them enough. They not only make the buying process easy but are sincere and honest. I would highly recommend Alex and Stevie if your looking to sell or buy a property.”
- Andrew S.
Great experience, fair price and quick closing.”
- Jim M.
Get a Cash Offer For your Kansas City Home
If you owe back taxes or have tax liens on your home in Missouri or Kansas, you still have solutions available. There is no need to wait for legal notices or risk losing your property over unpaid taxes.
Riverfront Home Buyers helps homeowners resolve tax issues with a fast, as-is sale. We handle all the details including paying off tax liens at closing.
Call 816.448.8164 or click to get an offer.