Platte County Property Taxes Behind? Here's What Homeowners Should Know
A practical guide to the Platte County delinquent tax certificate sale, your options, and what to do before the situation gets harder to resolve.
2026 Sale Date
August 24, 2026
Fourth Monday in August
Sale Location
County Commission Courtroom
Platte County Admin Building, Platte City
Sale Time
10:00 AM
Taxes may be paid up until 10:00 AM
Collector's Office
Sheila L. Palmer
(816) 858-3356 · plattecountycollector.com
What This Guide Covers
This guide is for Platte County homeowners who have received a delinquency notice, seen their property listed in the local newspaper, or are simply trying to understand what happens when property taxes go unpaid. It covers:
- How property taxes become delinquent in Platte County and what that means practically
- How the Platte County Delinquent Tax Certificate Sale works — and how it differs from the Jackson County process
- The 2026 sale date, location, and what happens if a property is sold
- What options are typically available, including catching up, payment plans, and selling
- Whether a house can be sold with back taxes still owed — and how that usually works
- Real local resources from the Platte County Collector's Office and other official sources
This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, contact the Platte County Collector of Revenue or a licensed Missouri attorney.
Official Tax Sale Alert
2026 Platte County Delinquent Tax Certificate Sale
The 2026 sale is scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026, commencing at 10:00 AM in the County Commission Courtroom, 2nd floor, Platte County Administration Building, 415 3rd St., Platte City, MO 64079.
Under RSMo 140.150.1, all lands, lots, mineral rights, and royalty interests on which taxes or neighborhood improvement district special assessments are delinquent and unpaid are subject to a tax certificate sale at public auction.
Who is at risk: Any property with delinquent and unpaid taxes may be subject to inclusion on the sale list, which is published in a Platte County newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive weeks prior to the sale and is also available at plattecountycollector.com.
Why earlier action matters: Delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest may be paid to the Platte County Collector at any time before 10:00 AM on the sale date. Once a certificate of purchase is issued to a buyer, the property enters a redemption period — and the path to resolving the situation becomes more complicated and more expensive.
Verify current details with the Platte County Collector of Revenue at (816) 858-3356 or plattecountycollector.com before taking any action.
Understanding Delinquent Taxes in Platte County
Property taxes in Platte County, Missouri are assessed annually. The Platte County Assessor determines the assessed value of all real and personal property owned in the county as of January 1 each year. The County Clerk then calculates the annual tax bill using levies approved by Platte County voters. Tax statements are mailed in November, and all taxes are due upon receipt — becoming delinquent after December 31.
When taxes go unpaid past December 31, penalties and interest begin accumulating. The Platte County Collector of Revenue maintains the delinquent tax records and is responsible for the collection process. Failure to receive a tax statement does not relieve the taxpayer's obligation to pay — a point the Collector's Office emphasizes explicitly.
The longer taxes remain unpaid, the larger the total debt grows. What starts as a manageable amount can become a significant financial burden over two or three years, particularly when penalties, interest, and costs are added. Eventually, properties with unpaid delinquent taxes become eligible for inclusion in the annual Delinquent Tax Certificate Sale.
Important: Platte County's process is different from Jackson County's
The Platte County process is a tax certificate sale — not the same as the Jackson County Delinquent Land Tax sale conducted by the 16th Circuit Court. In Platte County, the Collector of Revenue conducts the sale directly. A buyer at the sale receives a Certificate of Purchase — essentially a lien on the property — not immediate ownership or possession. The original owner retains the right to redeem the property within one year of the sale.
Worth knowing: Once a property is listed in the Platte County newspaper as part of the delinquent tax sale publication, that listing is public record. Investors and buyers can see it. The list is also published on plattecountycollector.com. Earlier action — before the publication period — gives you more privacy and more options.
Process Overview
How the Tax Delinquency Process Generally Progresses
A practical framework for understanding where you are in the process.
This is a general overview of how Missouri's delinquent tax process works in Platte County. Specific timelines, redemption periods, and sale schedules vary. Contact the Platte County Collector of Revenue or a licensed Missouri attorney for information specific to your situation.
After December 31
Taxes Become Delinquent
Options still openTaxes not paid by December 31 become delinquent. Penalties and interest begin accumulating from January 1. The Platte County Collector of Revenue sends notices, and the account enters the delinquent records. At this stage, the path forward is straightforward: pay the outstanding balance, including any penalties and interest that have accrued.
Months 1–18+
Debt Grows; Payment Options Still Available
Penalties and interest continue to accumulate on the unpaid balance. The Platte County Collector's Office may offer payment options. This is the stage where most homeowners still have the most flexibility — the debt is growing, but it is manageable, and the property has not yet been listed for sale.
The Platte County Collector's Office can be reached at (816) 858-3356. If you are behind on taxes and want to understand your current balance and what options may be available, calling the office directly is the most reliable first step.
~3 weeks before the fourth Monday in August
Property Listed for Sale
Publicly visibleProperties with delinquent taxes are published in a Platte County newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive weeks prior to the sale. The list is also available at plattecountycollector.com. Once listed, the property is publicly visible to investors and buyers. Delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and costs may still be paid in full at any time before 10:00 AM on the sale date to remove the property from the sale.
Once your property appears in the newspaper publication, that listing is public. Investors actively monitor delinquent tax lists. If you want to resolve the situation before it becomes widely known, acting before the publication period gives you more control.
Fourth Monday in August — 10:00 AM
Certificate Sale
Control at riskThe Platte County Collector conducts the sale in the County Commission Courtroom, 2nd floor, Platte County Administration Building, Platte City. Bidding begins at the amount of taxes, penalties, and sales costs. The successful bidder receives a Certificate of Purchase — not ownership of the property. The original owner retains the right to redeem the property within one year.
If your property is sold at the certificate sale, you are not immediately displaced — but the clock starts on your redemption period. The longer you wait after the sale, the more complicated and expensive redemption becomes. If you are approaching the sale date, contact the Platte County Collector's Office immediately.
Up to 1 year after the sale
Redemption Period and Potential Deed
Serious riskAfter the certificate sale, the original property owner (or any party with an interest) may redeem the property within one year by paying the certificate holder the purchase price plus interest. If the property is not redeemed within the redemption period, the certificate holder may pursue a collector's deed — which transfers ownership. At that point, the original owner's rights to the property are extinguished.
Missouri law provides redemption rights, but those rights have a deadline. If you are in the redemption period after a certificate sale, consulting a licensed Missouri real estate attorney is strongly recommended.
Time-Sensitive Information
2026 Platte County Tax Sale Countdown
The Platte County Delinquent Tax Certificate Sale is held annually on the fourth Monday in August. For 2026, that date is August 24, 2026, commencing at 10:00 AM at the Platte County Administration Building in Platte City. As the sale date approaches, homeowners typically have fewer options and less flexibility. If your property has unpaid delinquent taxes, understanding your situation earlier usually gives you more room to act.
Platte County Delinquent Tax Certificate Sale
122
Days
11
Hours
41
Minutes
The 2026 Platte County tax sale is several months away. If your property has unpaid delinquent taxes, now is a good time to understand your options — before the window narrows and the debt grows further.
Sale date based on the statutory fourth Monday in August schedule (RSMo 140.150.1) and historical Platte County practice. Verify the exact 2026 date and details with the Platte County Collector of Revenue at (816) 858-3356 or plattecountycollector.com before taking any action.
What Can Happen If You Wait
Delinquent property taxes in Platte County are not a static problem. The longer they go unaddressed, the more complicated and expensive the situation typically becomes.
The debt grows every month.
Penalties and interest accumulate on unpaid balances from January 1 onward. A manageable amount in year one can become a significantly larger debt by year two or three.
The property gets listed publicly.
Once a property is included in the pre-sale newspaper publication — which runs for three consecutive weeks before the August sale — that listing is public record. Investors, neighbors, and buyers can all see it.
Options narrow as the sale approaches.
The closer the sale date gets, the fewer practical options remain. Payment plans, refinancing, and even a traditional sale all take time to arrange. Waiting until the last few weeks before the sale significantly limits what is still possible.
A certificate buyer enters the picture.
If the property is sold at the certificate sale, a third party now holds a lien on your home. You retain redemption rights for up to one year, but the process of resolving the situation becomes more complicated and more expensive.
Redemption rights have a deadline.
Missouri law provides a one-year redemption period after the certificate sale. After that period, the certificate holder can pursue a collector's deed — and the original owner's rights to the property are extinguished.
Carrying costs keep accumulating on vacant or distressed properties.
If the property is vacant or in poor condition, every month of inaction adds to the total cost: taxes, insurance, maintenance, code violations, and potential liability. The math rarely improves with time.
What Options Do You Have?
There is no single right answer for every homeowner dealing with delinquent taxes in Platte County. The right path depends on how much is owed, how much equity is in the property, the condition of the home, and what the homeowner's goals are.
Catch Up on the Taxes
What it involves
Pay the full delinquent balance — including taxes, penalties, interest, and any associated costs — directly to the Platte County Collector of Revenue. This can be done at any time before 10:00 AM on the sale date.
When it makes sense
If the total delinquent amount is manageable relative to your income and the property's value, and you intend to keep the property, this is the most straightforward path.
Worth knowing
Payments must be made in person, by cash, or certified funds to remove the property from the sale process. Contact the Collector's Office at (816) 858-3356 to get a current payoff figure.
Explore a Payment Arrangement
What it involves
The Platte County Collector's Office may have options for homeowners who cannot pay the full balance at once. Contact the office directly to understand what may be available for your specific situation.
When it makes sense
If you want to keep the property but cannot pay the full delinquent amount immediately, a payment arrangement — if available — may allow you to avoid the sale while spreading payments over time.
Worth knowing
Payment arrangements are not guaranteed and depend on the Collector's Office policies and your specific circumstances. Call (816) 858-3356 to ask directly.
Refinance or Borrow Against the Property
What it involves
If the property has equity, some homeowners use a cash-out refinance, home equity loan, or private loan to pay off the delinquent taxes and bring the account current.
When it makes sense
If the property has significant equity, the total delinquent amount is manageable relative to that equity, and you qualify for financing, this can be a viable path — particularly if you want to keep the property long-term.
Worth knowing
Lenders typically require clear title and a current tax status. A property with delinquent taxes may complicate the financing process. Work with a lender familiar with Missouri property tax situations.
Sell the Property
What it involves
Sell the property — with the delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest paid off at closing from the sale proceeds. You do not need to bring the property current before selling in most cases.
When it makes sense
If the total delinquent amount is large relative to the property's value, if the home needs significant repairs, if the property is inherited or vacant, or if keeping the property no longer makes financial sense.
Worth knowing
Whether enough equity remains after the tax payoff depends on the property's value and the total amount owed. A cash buyer familiar with Platte County tax situations can often move quickly — which matters when the sale date is approaching.
Can You Sell a House With Back Taxes in Platte County?
In most cases, yes — and this is one of the most important things for Platte County homeowners to understand.
A tax lien or delinquent tax balance does not prevent a sale. It has to be resolved as part of the closing process, but it does not have to be resolved before you list or sell the property. Here is how it typically works:
When a property sells, the title company obtains a payoff figure from the Platte County Collector of Revenue. At closing, the outstanding taxes, penalties, interest, and any associated costs are paid directly from the sale proceeds. The title company handles this — you do not need to bring cash to closing or pay the taxes separately before the sale.
Whether a sale makes financial sense depends on two things: the property's value and the total amount owed. If the delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest are large relative to the property's value, there may not be enough equity remaining after the payoff to make a traditional sale worthwhile. In those situations, a cash buyer who can move quickly and accept the property as-is may be the most practical option.
What you do not need to do before selling
- Pay the delinquent taxes out of pocket before closing
- Make repairs or improvements to the property
- Bring the property fully current before listing
What the title company handles at closing
- Obtaining the official payoff figure from the Platte County Collector
- Paying the delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest from the proceeds
- Issuing clear title to the buyer
Common Situations in Platte County
Every homeowner's situation is different. Here are some of the situations we see most often in Platte County.
Inherited Property With Back Taxes
An inherited home in Parkville, Riverside, or Platte City comes with years of unpaid property taxes. The heirs live out of state and have no interest in keeping the property. In most cases, the property can still be sold — the taxes are paid at closing, and the heirs receive whatever equity remains.
Vacant Property With Growing Carrying Costs
A vacant house near Zona Rosa, Barry Road, or Weatherby Lake has been sitting empty for two years. Taxes are unpaid, the yard is overgrown, and code violation notices have arrived. Every month of inaction adds to the total cost. Selling stops the accumulation and ends the ongoing liability.
Distressed Property That Needs Significant Repairs
A home in Weston or Platte City needs a new roof, foundation work, and updated plumbing. The cost of repairs plus the back taxes exceeds what a traditional buyer would pay. A cash buyer who purchases as-is can often make the math work in ways a traditional sale cannot.
Rental Property That No Longer Cash Flows
A rental property in Riverside or Northmoor has had problem tenants, deferred maintenance, and unpaid taxes for two years. The rent no longer covers the costs. Selling — even with back taxes — ends the monthly drain and provides a clean exit.
Older Property Where the Math No Longer Works
An older home in Platte City or Houston Lake has been in the family for decades. The taxes are behind, the property needs work, and the family is not in a position to invest more money into it. Selling as-is, with taxes paid at closing, is often the most practical path.
Behind on Taxes and Feeling Overwhelmed
Sometimes the situation is simply that life got complicated — a job loss, a health issue, a divorce — and the taxes fell behind. The debt has grown, the notices have arrived, and the homeowner does not know where to start. The first step is usually the simplest: call the Platte County Collector's Office at (816) 858-3356 to understand the current balance and what options are still available.
How the Platte County Tax Certificate Sale Works
If a property reaches the certificate sale, here is what generally happens.
Publication
The list of properties subject to sale is published in a Platte County newspaper for three consecutive weeks prior to the sale. The list is also available at plattecountycollector.com. Properties can be removed at any time before 10:00 AM on the sale date by paying the full delinquent balance.
The Sale
The sale is conducted by the Platte County Collector in the County Commission Courtroom, 2nd floor, Platte County Administration Building, Platte City. Bidding begins at the amount of taxes, penalties, and sales costs. The successful bidder receives a Certificate of Purchase — not ownership of the property.
Redemption Period
After the sale, the original property owner (or any party with an interest) has up to one year to redeem the property by paying the certificate holder the purchase price plus interest. During the redemption period, the original owner retains possession of the property.
Potential Collector's Deed
If the property is not redeemed within the redemption period, the certificate holder may pursue a collector's deed. Once issued, the original owner's rights to the property are extinguished. Any surplus from the original sale above the delinquent taxes and costs is deposited with the Platte County Treasurer's Office.
Official Platte County Resources
These are the official sources for Platte County property tax information. When in doubt, go to the source.
Platte County Collector of Revenue
The official source for Platte County property tax records, delinquency status, payment information, and tax sale details. If you want to know your current balance, whether your property is on the delinquent list, or what options may be available, this is the right place to start.
Platte County Assessor's Office
Handles property valuations and assessments. If you believe your property has been over-assessed — which can contribute to higher tax bills — this is where to start an appeal. Also a useful resource for verifying property information.
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
Free civil legal assistance for low-income homeowners. Can provide guidance on Missouri property tax law, redemption rights, and options before or after a tax sale.
Cities and Communities We Serve in Platte County
We buy houses throughout Platte County. Click your city for local information.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're Here to Help
Want to Talk Through Your Situation?
If you have questions about your Platte County property and what your options might be — whether that's catching up on taxes, understanding the sale process, or figuring out whether selling makes sense — we're happy to have a straightforward conversation. No obligation, no pressure, no cost to reach out.
We buy houses in Platte County and throughout the Kansas City metro area. We're familiar with the Platte County tax sale process and can often move quickly when timing matters.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Property tax laws, sale dates, and procedures in Platte County, Missouri are subject to change. The information on this page is based on publicly available sources and is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication, but should be verified with the Platte County Collector of Revenue or a licensed Missouri attorney before taking any action. Midwest Equity Advisors is a real estate investment company, not a law firm or tax advisory service.