Yes, you can sell a house with back taxes in McLennan County. Learn the Feb 2026 deadlines, how to avoid the summer penalty spike, and why selling as-is might be your fastest exit.
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Can you sell a house in Waco if you owe delinquent property taxes?
The short answer is yes. In Texas, you can sell a property with back taxes at any time before a foreclosure sale is finalized. The delinquent amount is simply deducted from your sale proceeds at closing and paid directly to the McLennan County Tax Office. You don't need to pay it out of pocket before you sell, but you do need to move quickly before penalties devour your equity in 2026.
This is general real estate information, not legal or tax advice. For your specific account status, contact the McLennan County Tax Office or a qualified Texas attorney.
In McLennan County, property taxes are generally due upon receipt in October and become officially delinquent on February 1, 2026.
If you are reading this in the winter of 2025, you are in the critical window.
You owe the base tax amount.
Delinquent. Penalties attach immediately.
Danger Zone: +20% attorney fee added.
The Waco real estate market has shifted from the frenzy of a few years ago. As we head into 2026, homes in McLennan County are seeing normalized "Days on Market" (often 60–90 days).
Why does this matter if you owe taxes? If you list with an agent today (Dec/Jan), you might not close until March or April 2026. By then, you've crossed the delinquency line, added months of penalties to your bill, and paid holding costs (utilities, insurance, mortgage) while waiting for a buyer.
If property taxes are piling up and you don't want to risk waiting 3+ months for a traditional sale, you can sell the house as-is and handle the taxes instantly at closing.
Here is exactly what happens to your balance if you ignore the notices from the county into the new year:
| Date | What Happens | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2026 | Delinquency hits | 7% penalty + interest (6% penalty, 1% interest) |
| March – June 2026 | Monthly penalties | Balance grows by 2% every month |
| July 1, 2026 | The hammer drops | Collection penalty (~20%) added. On a $5,000 tax bill, this single day could add over $1,000 to your debt |
We see this often with homeowners in Woodway, Hewitt, and Robinson. You receive a notice that looks like it's from the city, but it ties back to the McLennan County Tax Office (which collects for many local jurisdictions).
Even if your house is in a high-demand area like Castle Heights or Dean Highland, the county has the right to foreclose if taxes remain unpaid for too long. The tax lien attaches to the property on January 1st of each year, meaning the house cannot be sold with a clear title until that lien is satisfied.
If you have the cash, pay the bill before January 31, 2026. This stops the bleeding immediately. It's the cleanest route.
If you are over 65, disabled, or a disabled veteran, you may qualify to defer your taxes. This stops lawsuits and foreclosure, but interest usually continues to accrue. Check with the Tax Appraisal District regarding Form 50-126.
If you can't pay the bill and you don't qualify for a deferral, selling is often the best way to protect your remaining equity before the fees stack up.
Traditional Sale
You hire an agent, do repairs, and list it. Risk: Takes 60-100 days; tax penalties grow while you wait.
Cash Sale (Dabney)
We close in as little as 7–14 days. The title company pays the county directly from proceeds. No out-of-pocket costs.
Want a free comparison?
Contact Dabney Real Estate GroupIf you are in Waco or McLennan County and the 2025 tax notices are stacking up, you don't have to face the county alone. Dabney Real Estate Group helps homeowners wipe the slate clean.
If selling fast is your priority, request a no-obligation offer and we can typically respond within 24 hours.
We've helped dozens of Texas families through difficult property situations with compassion and fairness.
