Summary
- Homeowners behind on property taxes in Alameda County still have options
- Unpaid taxes lead to penalties, interest, and eventual tax-default status
- Properties may become eligible for tax sale after about five years
- Owners can avoid a tax sale through payment plans, assistance programs, or other solutions
- If catching up isn’t realistic, selling quickly to an investor may resolve back taxes and stop the process
Falling behind on property taxes can feel overwhelming, especially when penalties start adding up and notices arrive in the mail. If you’re behind on property taxes in Alameda County, you still have options — but timing matters.
This page walks you through what happens when property taxes go unpaid, what choices you have, and how to avoid losing your home.
When Property Taxes Become Delinquent in Alameda County
Alameda County, including Oakland, San Leandro, Castro Valley, and surrounding cities, property taxes are billed in two installments each year:
- First installment: Due November 1, delinquent after December 10
- Second installment: Due February 1, delinquent after April 10
If a payment is missed:
- A 10% penalty is added immediately
- An additional administrative fee may apply
- Interest continues to accrue if the balance remains unpaid
If any portion of the annual tax bill remains unpaid after June 30, the property becomes tax-defaulted.
What It Means to Be “Tax-Defaulted”
Once a property is tax-defaulted:
- The county records the delinquency
- Interest accrues monthly on the unpaid balance
- Redemption fees are added
- The balance grows the longer it remains unpaid
You still own the property during this period, but the debt continues to increase.
How Long Before the County Can Sell the Property?
In California, including Alameda County:
- A property must be tax-defaulted for at least 5 years before it becomes eligible for a tax sale
- During those 5 years, you retain the right of redemption, meaning you can stop the process by paying what’s owed
- Once the property is scheduled for a tax sale, the timeline accelerates quickly
Important: There is no redemption period after the tax sale. If the sale happens, ownership transfers.
How to Check What You Owe
You can check your property tax balance by:
- Looking up your property using your address or parcel number
- Reviewing your most recent tax bill
- Calling the Alameda County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office
Knowing the exact amount owed is the first step to creating a plan.
Can You Make Partial Payments?
For current-year taxes, partial payments are generally not accepted — each installment must be paid in full.
For prior-year delinquent taxes, you may have more flexibility:
- You can pay the full amount at any time to redeem the property
- Interest and fees continue to accrue until the balance is paid in full
Installment Payment Plan for Delinquent Taxes
If you can’t pay everything at once, Alameda County offers an Installment Plan of Redemption for eligible homeowners.
Key points:
- Available once the property has been tax-defaulted
- Requires a down payment toward the delinquent balance
- The remaining balance is paid over up to 5 years
- Current property taxes must stay paid while on the plan
- Missing a payment can cause the plan to default
When properly maintained, an installment plan can prevent a tax sale.
Relief and Assistance Programs That May Help
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for help:
Property Tax Postponement (State Program)
- For seniors, blind, or disabled homeowners
- Allows deferral of current property taxes on a primary residence
- Taxes are repaid later, typically when the home is sold
Financial Hardship or Pandemic-Related Assistance
- Some programs provide one-time grants to cover delinquent property taxes
- These are often income-based and subject to funding availability
Military Property Tax Relief
- Active-duty service members may qualify for reduced penalties or deferred payments
Local Housing Stability Programs
- Alameda County offers housing stability resources that may include legal guidance or financial assistance for homeowners at risk
Selling Fast to an Investor in Alameda County
For some homeowners, catching up on back property taxes isn’t realistic — especially when penalties, interest, and life circumstances keep piling up. In these cases, selling the property quickly to a local real estate investor can be a practical way to avoid a tax sale and regain control.
Unlike listing with a real estate agent, selling to an investor is typically designed for speed and certainty.
Why Some Homeowners Choose This Option
- Fast timelines: Investors can often close in days or weeks instead of months
- As-is sales: No repairs, cleaning, or inspections required
- No commissions: There are usually no agent fees or listing costs
- Tax issues handled: Delinquent property taxes are typically paid off at closing
- Fewer contingencies: Less risk of deals falling apart due to financing or appraisals
For homeowners facing mounting tax pressure, this can provide certainty before a tax sale deadline.
When Selling Fast Makes Sense
Selling to an investor may be worth considering if:
- You’re multiple years behind on property taxes
- You don’t qualify for assistance or payment plans
- The property needs repairs you can’t afford
- You need a quick resolution to avoid foreclosure or auction
- Peace of mind matters more than maximizing top market price
Important Trade-Off to Understand
A fast sale usually means accepting less than full retail value. In exchange, you’re gaining speed, simplicity, and the ability to stop the tax sale process before it’s too late.
For many homeowners, the trade-off is worth it to:
- Prevent further penalties and interest
- Avoid losing the property at auction
- Walk away with clarity instead of ongoing stress
Take Time to Compare Your Options
Before deciding, it’s okay to:
- Compare selling vs. payment plans
- Review how much equity you have after taxes are paid
- Ask questions about timelines and closing costs
The best choice is the one that solves your situation, not just the one that looks best on paper.
What Happens If the Property Goes to Tax Sale?
If delinquent taxes remain unpaid long enough:
- The county schedules the property for a tax auction
- Notices are mailed and publicly posted
- You have until shortly before the sale to redeem the property by paying the full amount owed
If the property sells:
- Ownership transfers to the buyer
- You lose all ownership rights
- Any excess funds beyond taxes and fees may be claimable, but the home itself is gone
Steps You Can Take Right Now
If you’re behind on property taxes in Alameda County:
- Confirm how much you owe
- Determine how long the taxes have been delinquent
- Contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office
- Explore installment plans or relief programs
- Act before the 5-year mark approaches
Waiting rarely improves the situation — early action gives you more control.
Final Thoughts
Being behind on property taxes does not mean you’ve lost your home — but ignoring the problem can lead there.
Whether your goal is to:
- Catch up on taxes
- Set up a payment plan
- Reduce financial stress
- Or explore alternative solutions
Understanding your options is the most important first step.