Tax Delinquency in Prince William County: A Homeowner’s Guide to Avoiding Judicial Sale

If you have received a “Judicial Sale Notice” or a letter from a law firm like TACS (Taxing Authority Consulting Services) regarding your Prince William County property, you must act immediately.

Unlike neighboring Maryland, where you get a 6-month “redemption period” after a tax sale, Virginia laws are much stricter. Prince William County uses a process called a “Judicial Sale” to auction off your home to the highest bidder. Once the court confirms that sale, you lose the property permanently.

This guide is designed to help homeowners in Manassas, Woodbridge, and Dumfries understand the timeline, the “2-Year Rule,” and how to sell your house to save your equity before the auction gavel falls.

The Prince William County Tax Sale: How It Works

In Virginia, the county does not sell “tax liens” to investors. Instead, the County Attorney files a lawsuit against your property in the Circuit Court.

The “Judicial Sale” Process If your taxes remain unpaid, the court appoints a “Special Commissioner” to sell your real estate at a public auction.

  • Location: Auctions are often held on the steps of the Prince William County Courthouse (9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas) or online.
  • The Result: The highest bidder wins the right to buy your home.
  • The End of Ownership: Once the Circuit Court confirms the high bid (usually 15–30 days after the auction), a deed is transferred to the new owner. There is usually NO right of redemption after this point.

Important Contact Information & Links

To manage your tax situation effectively, use these official resources:

  • Check Your Tax Balance: Prince William County Taxpayer Portal (Search by address or account number).
  • The Collection Law Firm (TACS): Prince William County outsources tax sales to a private law firm. You will likely need to deal with them directly.
    • Firm Name: Taxing Authority Consulting Services (TACS)
    • Website: TaxVA.com
    • Phone: (703) 880-1078 or (804) 545-2500
  • PWC Tax Administration:
    • Phone: (703) 792-6710
    • Email: taxpayerservices@pwcgov.org
    • Physical Address: Sudley North Government Center (7987 Ashton Ave, Manassas) OR Development Services Building (5 County Complex Court, Woodbridge).

The Timeline: The “2-Year Rule”

1. The Trigger (2 Years Delinquent) Under Virginia Code, the county can initiate the judicial sale process once taxes are delinquent on December 31st of the second year following the due date.

  • Example: If you missed your 2023 taxes, your property becomes eligible for judicial sale starting January 1, 2026.

2. The 30-Day Notice Before filing the lawsuit, the county will send a notice giving you 30 days to pay in full or make a payment arrangement. Do not ignore this letter. This is your last chance to deal with the county directly before lawyers get involved.

3. The Lawsuit & Litigation (6-9 Months) Once the file is handed to TACS, they will file a suit in the Circuit Court. You will be served with a summons. This process takes months, adding significant legal fees to your debt.

4. The Auction If the debt is not paid, the property is auctioned.

The Cost of Waiting: Interest + Legal Fees

In Prince William County, the debt grows much faster than just the tax bill.

  • 10% Penalty: Added immediately when taxes are late.
  • 10% Annual Interest: Accrues monthly on the unpaid balance.
  • Attorney Fees: This is the biggest hit. Once the lawsuit is filed, you are responsible for paying the county’s legal fees, title search costs, and advertising fees. This can easily add $2,000–$5,000 to your final payoff amount.

Your Options: Keep It or Sell It?

Option 1: Redeem BEFORE the Auction (Keep It) You have the right to “redeem” your property (pay off the debt) at any time before the auction date.

  • You must pay the full amount: Taxes + Penalties + Interest + Court Costs + Attorney Fees.
  • Payment Plans: TACS may offer a payment plan (usually requiring 25% down), but they are not required to do so if the sale date is close.

Option 2: Sell the House (Save Your Equity) If you cannot come up with the lump sum cash to pay the judgment, selling the house yourself is the only way to protect your equity.

We Buy Prince William County Homes Fast.

  • We Beat the Auction: If your auction date is set for next week, we can often buy the house, pay off the court judgment at closing, and put the remaining cash in your pocket.
  • Example: Your house is worth $400k. You owe $20k in taxes/fees. If you let it go to auction, it might sell for $250k, and the court holds the surplus. If you sell to us for $350k (as-is), you walk away with $330k immediately.

How Consistent Homebuyers Helps PWC Homeowners

We are local to Northern Virginia and understand the Manassas and Woodbridge markets.

  • We Handle the Lawyers: We are experienced in communicating with TACS and the Circuit Court to get the final payoff figures needed to close the sale.
  • No Repairs: Whether it’s a townhouse in Dale City or a single-family home in Gainesville, we buy it as-is.
  • Stop the Foreclosure: Signing a contract with us can often be enough to get the attorney to postpone the auction, giving us time to close the sale.

Don’t wait until the gavel falls. Once the court confirms the sale, it is too late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my house back after the auction? In Virginia, typically NO. Unlike Maryland, there is no 6-month redemption period after the sale. Once the Circuit Court confirms the high bid (usually 15-30 days post-auction), the property belongs to the new owner.

What happens to the extra money if the house sells for more than the taxes? If the house sells at auction for more than you owe, the “surplus funds” are held by the Circuit Court. You must file a petition with the court to claim this money, which can be a complicated and lengthy legal process. Selling the house yourself before the auction is a much faster way to get your equity.

Do you buy houses with HOA liens too? Yes. In neighborhoods like Lake Ridge or Montclair, HOA liens can be just as dangerous as tax liens. We buy properties with multiple types of liens and title issues.

Need a Hand with the Logistics?

Dealing with court orders and attorney fees is confusing. If you are struggling to understand your “Redemption Amount” or want to know exactly what your home is worth today, we are here to support you.

Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm or financial institution. We do not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend all clients consult with their own legal counsel or tax professional regarding their specific situation.

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Stop The Judicial Sale. Save Your Equity. If you have received a court summons or auction notice in Prince William County, time is running out. Fill out the form below for a fair, no-obligation cash offer, or call us at (703) 687-0741.

More Resources for Prince William County Homeowners