Selling land with back taxes in Connecticut
Yes, you can sell Connecticut land that has back taxes. The unpaid taxes are paid from the sale at closing. What matters is timing, because once the land goes to a tax sale your window gets shorter.
Request an offerHow Connecticut handles unpaid property taxes
Connecticut sells the land at a tax sale, but the deed can be redeemed for a set period afterward. You can win the land back during that window by paying the taxes, costs and a premium.
The redemption rule in Connecticut: Under CGS 12-157 a tax collector may sell real estate. The owner or lienholders may redeem within six months of the sale (60 days if the property is abandoned or meets local ordinance conditions). They redeem by paying the taxes, charges and 18% annual interest on the purchase price. Municipalities also foreclose tax liens in court.
Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 12-157. Rules change, so confirm with the county tax collector.
What to do before the tax sale
- Call the county tax office and get the exact amount owed and the next sale date.
- Decide whether you want to keep the land. If not, selling before the sale stops the interest and penalties from growing.
- Gather the parcel number and any tax bills. A buyer and the title company need them to order a payoff.
Connecticut land at a glance
- Average farm real estate value: $14,600 per acre (2026, USDA).
- Average property tax on farmland: about $97.89 per acre per year (2022 Census of Agriculture).
- Transfer tax: State conveyance tax of 0.75% of consideration (rate for unimproved land and ordinary sales) plus a 0.25% municipal conveyance tax, about 1.0% total. Non-residential, improved property pays 1.25% state tax. Unimproved land is excepted from that. Higher state tiers apply to residential estates of $800,000 or more. Applies when consideration is $2,000 or more.
- Seller disclosure: The residential condition report applies only to transfers of residential real property of one to four dwelling units, so vacant land is outside it.
These are statewide averages, not an appraisal. See selling land in Connecticut for county values, or try the land value estimator.
How a cash sale handles this
Liberty Acres is a family-owned cash land buyer. We buy land anywhere in the US, in any condition, including land with back taxes, inherited land and land with no road access. We pay back taxes and all closing costs, use no agents and charge no commissions, and close through a title company, escrow company or real estate attorney who pays you by wire or check.
Common questions
Can I sell my land in Connecticut if I owe back taxes?
Yes. The back taxes are paid from the sale at closing through the title company. Liberty Acres pays back taxes and all closing costs.
How long do I have to redeem land after a tax sale in Connecticut?
Under CGS 12-157 a tax collector may sell real estate. The owner or lienholders may redeem within six months of the sale (60 days if the property is abandoned or meets local ordinance conditions). They redeem by paying the taxes, charges and 18% annual interest on the purchase price. Municipalities also foreclose tax liens in court.
Can I still sell after the tax sale?
It depends on the Connecticut rule above. If the law gives a redemption period after the sale, you can redeem or sell during it, but the payoff grows and title work gets harder. If it does not, your ownership ends when redemption ends, so sell before then.
Sources
- Connecticut tax sale law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 12-157
- USDA NASS Land Values 2026 and 2022 Census of Agriculture
State rules last checked 2026-10-13. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state, so talk to a local attorney or CPA about your situation.