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Can I save my house from tax sale by claiming bankruptcy and how does it work?

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It goes to sale in September
I do not have a job as I am currently applying for SSI due to a back disability. I currently receive food stamps and Medicaid. So now what do I do?

6 Attorney Answers

Best Answer
I agree with my colleagues that Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be your best option to save your home from a tax sale. You would need sufficient income to pay the back taxes over three to five years. A bankruptcy attorney can tell you if Chapter 13 is workable in your situation.
In addition to bankruptcy, there may be other options, including negotiation of a payment arrangement with the taxing agency or selling the property yourself. However, beware of predatory homebuyers who will offer you far below market value for your home, or predatory lenders who offer extremely high interest loans to people in your situation. I suggest that you speak to a local Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney right away.
You really do need to sit down with a bankruptcy attorney to discuss your specific facts.
Yes. If you act prior to the tax sale, you can file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and save your house.
Essentially, you are required to pay back your real estate taxes in a 36 to 60 month repayment plan.
There are many other considerations which would need to be addressed in a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. I do not believe Delaware County, PA has the right of redemption after a Tax Sale so you really need to act ASAP to save your home.
A chapter 13 reorganization plan allows you to stretch out the real estate tax debt over 5 years. But you must file prior to the date of the tax sale and you must pay the future realestate taxes timely. Call a bankruptcy specialist immediately to get the process moving. Good Luck!
Bankruptcy will delay the sale, but you are eventually going to have to find a way enter a payment plan for the back taxes. Discuss your case with a bankruptcy attorney in your area, they should be able to help.
A Chapter 13 case was formerly called a wage earner plan. It was named that for a reason, because it allowed wage earners an installment plan to pay out their arrearages on their debts. If you have no job, and a lengthy process under way for a Social Security claim, a Chapter 13 case will probably not be a feasible option for you. Go see a local bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options.

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