Short answer: In Illinois, falling behind on property taxes doesn’t mean you lose the house right away. Lake County sells unpaid taxes at an annual tax sale, and for most homes the owner then has about 30 months to redeem by paying the back taxes plus interest, penalties, and fees. If nobody redeems, the tax buyer can ask a court for a tax deed and take the house, and the family can walk away with nothing. Selling before that happens lets you pay the taxes at closing and keep the rest.

How it works in Lake County

• Taxes go delinquent. Interest, penalties, and costs start adding up, and the county has a lien that comes ahead of other debts.
• The tax sale. Tax buyers bid on the unpaid taxes and receive a certificate, a lien on the property. They don’t own the house yet.
• The redemption period. For most residential property sold at tax sales from 2024 on, it’s 30 months from the sale. Vacant property and 7+ unit buildings get much less time, often 12 months.
• The tax deed. If the taxes aren’t redeemed in time, the buyer can petition the court for a tax deed. Once it’s recorded, they own the house, and your equity is gone.

The amount needed to redeem grows the longer it goes. Ask the Lake County Clerk’s Tax Extension & Redemption office for an “estimate of redemption” to see the real number.

Your options

• Pay or redeem it yourself if you can. That keeps the house.
• Ask your mortgage lender to pay it and add it to the loan, if you have a mortgage. Do it early.
• Sell the house before the deadline. The back taxes are paid from the sale at closing, and you keep the rest. You don’t have to come up with the money first.

A real example: weeks from losing it all

A classmate of Mauricio’s called when her family needed help with their late mother’s house on Butrick Ave in Waukegan. The sister living there had fallen behind on the taxes with no way to catch up, and the family was only weeks away from losing the house completely, with nothing to show for it. We bought it as-is in time. The back taxes were paid at closing, and the family walked away with money in their pocket instead of losing everything. Today the house has a new roof, siding, windows, and kitchen.

Why time matters

Every month adds interest and penalties, and every month shrinks your options. Families who call early can often choose between keeping the house and selling it. Families who wait until the tax deed petition is filed often have only days. If you’re behind, call before the deadline is close.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still sell my house after the tax sale?

Usually, yes, until a tax deed is issued. The redemption amount is paid from the sale at closing, and you keep what’s left.

How long do I have after the tax sale in Illinois?

For most homes sold at tax sales from 2024 on, the redemption period is 30 months from the sale date. Vacant property and buildings with 7 or more units get less, often 12 months. Confirm your exact date with the County Clerk.

Do I need to pay the back taxes before I sell to you?

No. The back taxes, interest, and penalties are paid from the sale at closing.

What if the house needs a lot of work?

We buy as-is. You don’t fix, clean, or empty anything.

Behind on property taxes in Lake, McHenry, or Kenosha County? Call or text Mauricio or Rebecca at (224) 219-1502. We’ll call you within 15 minutes, and there’s never any obligation. See how we buy houses in Waukegan.

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm your redemption deadline and amount with the Lake County Clerk and talk to an attorney about your situation.