Can I Buy A House With A Tax Lien Guide

Yes, you can buy a house with a tax lien, but the path depends on whether have the lien or the property itself does. A tax lien is a legal claim by the government on an asset due to unpaid taxes. Scenario A: You Have a Personal Tax Lien

: Most traditional lenders, like Fannie Mae (FNMA), require tax liens to be paid in full before closing.

If the house you want to buy has a lien due to the current owner's unpaid property taxes, the lien must typically be cleared for you to get a "clean" title. Will a tax lien prevent me from buying a home? - HSH.com

: You can still qualify for certain loans if you are on an active, verified repayment plan.

: You may need to request that the IRS subordinate its lien to the new mortgage, allowing the lender to take priority in the event of foreclosure. Scenario B: The Property Has a Tax Lien

: Requires at least three consecutive on-time payments.

: Requires at least 12 months of on-time payments.

If you owe back taxes and have a federal tax lien against you, it follows you to any new property you buy.