Selling land with back taxes in Ohio
Yes, you can sell Ohio 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 Ohio handles unpaid property taxes
Ohio uses a mix of lien and deed rules, depending on who buys at the sale. Read the redemption rule below closely, because it decides how long you have.
The redemption rule in Ohio: Delinquent land goes to foreclosure (judicial, or board of revision for abandoned/vacant land). The owner may redeem by paying taxes, penalties, interest and costs until the court files the entry of confirmation of sale. Alternatively, the owner may redeem until the alternative redemption period under 323.78 ends. After foreclosure is filed, the owner must also show the property complies with zoning, land use, building, health and safety codes.
Law: R.C. 5721.25, R.C. 323.65 et seq. 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.
Ohio land at a glance
- Average farm real estate value: $9,650 per acre (2026, USDA).
- Average property tax on farmland: about $30.27 per acre per year (2022 Census of Agriculture).
- Transfer tax: Statewide real property conveyance fee of $1 per $1,000 (0.1%) charged by the county auditor. There is also an optional county permissive tax of up to $3 per $1,000 (0.3%). Total 0.1% to 0.4% depending on county.
- Seller disclosure: The residential property disclosure law covers real property improved by a building with one to four dwelling units. Vacant land is not covered.
These are statewide averages, not an appraisal. See selling land in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio?
Delinquent land goes to foreclosure (judicial, or board of revision for abandoned/vacant land). The owner may redeem by paying taxes, penalties, interest and costs until the court files the entry of confirmation of sale. Alternatively, the owner may redeem until the alternative redemption period under 323.78 ends. After foreclosure is filed, the owner must also show the property complies with zoning, land use, building, health and safety codes.
Can I still sell after the tax sale?
It depends on the Ohio 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
- Ohio tax sale law: R.C. 5721.25, R.C. 323.65 et seq.
- USDA NASS Land Values 2026 and 2022 Census of Agriculture
State rules last checked 2026-10-10. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state, so talk to a local attorney or CPA about your situation.