If a homeowner fails to pay taxes for an extended period, the government may sell the property or the debt through one of two main methods: How to Buy Property With Delinquent Taxes - SmartAsset.com

A professional title company will run a report to identify any liens or encumbrances on the property.

In a standard real estate transaction, the responsibility for back taxes usually falls on the seller.

Delinquent taxes are typically paid out of the seller’s proceeds at closing.

Some states maintain a centralized State Tax Lien Registry for state-level tax debts. Who is Responsible for the Debt?