How to check a property for back taxes and liens before you buy
Check the county treasurer for unpaid property tax, the county recorder for mortgages, liens and judgments, and the court for open cases. A title company confirms what is really owed. About 3.0% of properties we track have unpaid property tax, so always check.
Unpaid property tax
Search the parcel on the county treasurer or tax collector site. It shows what is billed, paid and owed. Unpaid tax usually comes before a mortgage in priority, so the buyer is responsible for it.
Mortgages and liens
The county recorder shows recorded mortgages, mechanics' liens, tax liens and judgments. A lien does not always disappear when a house is sold. Read the recorded documents or order a title report.
Court cases
Open foreclosure, divorce, bankruptcy and probate cases can affect who can sell. Check the county court and, for bankruptcy, the federal court.
City charges
Cities can place liens for code fines, demolition and unpaid utilities. Ask the city and the title company.
Use a title company
A title search is the safe way to find out what is owed. It is normally part of a purchase. Do not rely on the county search alone for a large purchase.
Examples of county offices to check
- Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk (Franklin County)
- Franklin County Clerk of Courts (Franklin County)
- Harris County Clerk (Harris County)
- Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector (Harris County)
- Cook County Clerk (Cook County)
- Cook County Clerk - Recordings (Cook County)
- Maricopa County Recorder (Maricopa County)
- Maricopa County Treasurer (Maricopa County)
Every county names these offices differently. The data sources page lists the offices behind each county we cover.
Official sources and further reading
- Legal Information Institute: tax lien
- USA.gov: find local government offices
- 12 U.S.C. 2601 (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act)
- National Center for State Courts: state court websites
Outside sites are run by their owners. General information, not legal or financial advice.
Questions
How do I find out if a property has back taxes?
Search the parcel on the county treasurer or tax collector website.
Do liens transfer to the buyer?
Some do. Unpaid property tax usually stays with the property. A title search shows what must be paid at closing.
Can I check liens for free?
Many county recorders have a free search. A full title report costs money.
Is this legal advice?
No. Ask a local attorney or title company.
How we make these guides
Written by the LeadCounty editorial and data team from official county, court and state sources and our own weekly counts. We name the office behind every number, say what we cannot see, and fix mistakes when you tell us. See our editorial standards and methodology. General information, not legal or financial advice. Refreshed weekly.
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