Virginia Tax Lien: What You Need to Know About Property Tax Debts and Foreclosures
When property owners in Virginia tax lien, a legal claim placed on a property when the owner fails to pay property taxes. Also known as tax sale lien, it gives the government the right to sell the property to recover unpaid taxes. A tax lien isn’t just a bill—it’s a clock ticking toward foreclosure. Unlike a mortgage, which you choose, a tax lien is forced on you by law. And in Virginia, it can move fast. If you miss payments, the county can auction your home’s lien to investors, who then hold the right to collect—or take ownership—if you don’t pay up.
Most people don’t realize how easily this happens. A missed payment, a lost bill, or a simple misunderstanding can trigger the process. In Virginia, counties can start the lien process after just 30 days of non-payment. Once issued, the lien stays on the property until paid, and interest accrues at 10% annually. That’s not a small fee—it compounds fast. And if you still don’t pay, the lienholder can file for a tax sale, a public auction where the lien is sold to the highest bidder, often leading to loss of property rights. This isn’t rare. In 2023, over 1,200 properties in Virginia went to tax sale, many bought by investors looking for deals. But for homeowners, it’s a crisis.
What’s worse? Many don’t know they’re at risk. Notices get lost. Mail gets forwarded. Some landlords forget to pay taxes on rental units. And once the lien is recorded, it shows up on title searches, blocking refinancing, selling, or even getting a home equity loan. Even if you’re current on your mortgage, a tax lien can still take your house. That’s why knowing your rights matters. Virginia law gives you a redemption period—usually up to a year—to pay the debt before the property is sold. But you need to act fast, and you need to know who to call.
There are also property tax foreclosure, the legal process where a government or lienholder takes ownership of a property due to unpaid taxes. This isn’t the same as a bank foreclosure. It’s faster, less regulated, and harder to stop once it starts. In places like Richmond, Norfolk, and Fairfax County, tax lien sales happen monthly. Investors bid on liens, not the property itself—until the redemption period expires. Then, they can claim full ownership. And if you’re a tenant in a home with a tax lien? You’re not safe either. New owners can evict you with little notice.
But there’s hope. Many liens are resolved before auction. If you’re behind, contact your county treasurer’s office immediately. Some counties offer payment plans. Others have hardship programs for seniors or disabled owners. And if you’re buying a home in Virginia, always run a tax lien search before closing. A clean title isn’t just paperwork—it’s protection.
The posts below cover real cases, legal rights, and practical steps—from how to check if a property has a lien, to what to do if you’re being evicted after a tax sale. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or renter in Virginia, these stories show what really happens when taxes go unpaid—and how to avoid losing everything.
What Happens If You Don't Pay Your Personal Property Taxes in Virginia?
Ignoring personal property taxes in Virginia leads to interest, liens, vehicle seizures, and credit damage. Learn what happens if you don't pay and how to avoid losing your car or facing financial penalties.
- November 16 2025
- Archer Hollings
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