How to Sell a Georgia House with a Tax Lien on It

Georgia is one of the toughest states for property owners who fall behind on taxes. The county can sell tax liens as “tax deeds” that can eventually take your property. If you have a tax lien, selling before it escalates is often the best move. Here’s how it works.

How Georgia Property Tax Liens Escalate

1. Tax bill unpaid past due date — interest starts accruing
2. Fi. Fa. (Fieri Facias) issued — the tax bill becomes a lien on the property
3. Tax lien sale — the county sells the lien to an investor at auction (often held on courthouse steps)
4. 12-month redemption period — you can pay off the buyer plus 20% premium in the first year
5. Ripening of tax deed — after redemption expires, the buyer can foreclose and take title

Selling Before or After a Tax Lien Sale

Before: You can sell normally — the title company pays off the lien at closing from your proceeds.

After the lien is sold but during redemption: You can still sell. The buyer redeems the tax deed from your sale proceeds. Costs go up because of the 20% redemption premium.

After redemption expires: Much harder — you may no longer own the property. Act fast.

Why Homeinc Handles Georgia Tax Lien Sales

We work with the title company and tax deed holder to pay off everything at closing so you walk away with any remaining equity — no complex paperwork on your end.

Full Georgia lien sale guide.