Quick Answer: Yes, you can sell your house with back taxes in Memphis, TN — and it can happen fast. A cash buyer can make you an offer, close in days, and the back taxes get paid out of the sale proceeds at closing. You walk away clean — no auction, no foreclosure.
If you need to sell your house with back taxes in Memphis, TN, you are not alone — and you are not out of options.
One Memphis homeowner came to us facing a tax sale on two properties at the same time. She didn’t have months to figure it out. She had days.
Here’s exactly what happened — and what you can do if you’re in the same spot.
She Was About to Lose Two Memphis Properties to a Tax Sale
The first property was on University Avenue — a secondary home she’d held onto for years but no longer lived in full-time. Back taxes had stacked up, and Shelby County was moving toward a tax sale in Memphis.
At the same time, her primary residence had the same problem.
Two houses. Two delinquent tax bills. One ticking clock.
Overdue property tax bill in Memphis TN — what happens when you don’t pay
A tax sale in Memphis is not the same as a traditional foreclosure, but the result is identical — you lose the property. The county lists it, auctions it, and sells it to satisfy the unpaid taxes.
Once it hits the auction block, getting it back is extremely expensive and often impossible.
She needed to stop the tax sale before that happened — and she reached out to Spencer Buys Houses.
How We Helped Her Sell Her House With Back Taxes in Memphis, TN
Spencer came out to the University Avenue property, evaluated it, and made a cash offer — no inspection contingencies, no financing delays, no agent fees.
Within a few days, they were at the closing table.
Sell house with back taxes in days.
At closing, the back taxes on the property were paid directly from the sale proceeds. She didn’t need cash upfront — the title company handled everything.
She walked away with cash — and used part of it to bring her primary residence current on taxes.
Two tax problems. One cash sale. Both solved.
We Gave Her Time — No Rush, No Pressure
After closing, she needed time to move out and handle personal belongings. That wasn’t a problem.
We’re a local Memphis operation — not a hedge fund — and we understand real situations.
She moved out on her schedule, left with cash in hand, and both properties off the delinquent tax rolls.
The situation that had been overwhelming her was finally resolved.
What Is a Tax Sale in Memphis — and How Do You Avoid It?
- Tax sales move fast. Once flagged, the timeline is short.
- Redemption is expensive. Getting your property back after auction is difficult and costly.
- Selling for cash is fastest. Cash buyers can close in 7–14 days vs. 60–90+ days traditionally.
- Back taxes are paid at closing. You don’t need upfront money.
The fastest way to stop a tax sale in Memphis is to sell before the auction date.
Sell Your House With Back Taxes in Memphis, TN — Fast
We buy houses in any condition, any situation, across Memphis and Shelby County.
How It Works
- You call or text us — no pressure.
- We visit the property — usually within 24 hours.
- We make a cash offer — no fees or repairs.
- We close fast — often in 7–14 days.
- Taxes get paid at closing — you walk away clean.
If you need to sell fast, don’t wait until the county decides for you.
📞 SpencerBuysHouses.com — call, text, or get your offer online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my house if I owe back taxes in Memphis?
Yes. You can sell, and the taxes are paid from the sale proceeds at closing. No upfront payment needed.
How fast can I sell to avoid a tax sale?
With a cash buyer, 7–14 days. Traditional sales usually take too long.
What happens if I don’t pay property taxes?
Your property can be auctioned in a tax sale, and you lose ownership.
Will a cash buyer pay my back taxes?
The taxes are paid at closing from your proceeds — handled automatically by the title company.
How do I stop a tax sale in Memphis?
Either pay the taxes or sell before the auction. Selling for cash is usually the fastest option.
Author Bio
Spencer Shadrach | Owner, Spencer Buys Houses
10+ years, BBB A+, WREG featured, 4.9★ / 113 reviews
Spencer Shadrach is a Memphis-based investor specializing in purchasing rental and distressed properties, helping homeowners exit difficult situations quickly.
SpencerBuysHouses.com