Selling land with back taxes in Idaho
Yes, you can sell Idaho 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 Idaho handles unpaid property taxes
Idaho enforces unpaid taxes against the land itself, not just a lien on it. Once your redemption rights end, ownership passes, and in some states that happens before any auction. The rule below says when, so plan to sell before then.
The redemption rule in Idaho: The county takes a tax deed if delinquent taxes stay unpaid 3 years, after certified-mail notice 2 to 5 months ahead. After the deed, the owner can redeem until the county signs a sale contract or deeds the land away, but no later than 14 months. Redemption costs the taxes, a 2% late charge, 1% monthly interest and costs. Sale money above the debt goes to lienholders who claim within 60 days of notice, then to the owner of record.
Law: Idaho Code 63-1005, 63-1007 and 31-808. 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.
Idaho land at a glance
- Average farm real estate value: $4,750 per acre (2026, USDA).
- Average property tax on farmland: about $11.14 per acre per year (2022 Census of Agriculture).
- Transfer tax: Idaho has no state deed or transfer tax. The county recorder fee for a deed of 30 pages or less is $15, set by Idaho Code 31-3205, plus $3 for each extra page.
- Seller disclosure: Idaho's Property Condition Disclosure Act does not cover vacant land. It applies only to real property improved by a building with 1 to 4 dwelling units. It does not limit any other duty to disclose under Idaho statutes or common law.
These are statewide averages, not an appraisal. See selling land in Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho?
The county takes a tax deed if delinquent taxes stay unpaid 3 years, after certified-mail notice 2 to 5 months ahead. After the deed, the owner can redeem until the county signs a sale contract or deeds the land away, but no later than 14 months. Redemption costs the taxes, a 2% late charge, 1% monthly interest and costs. Sale money above the debt goes to lienholders who claim within 60 days of notice, then to the owner of record.
Can I still sell after the tax sale?
It depends on the Idaho 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
- Idaho tax sale law: Idaho Code 63-1005, 63-1007 and 31-808
- 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.