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What should I do if I am having problems with my escrow or impound account?

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Short answer

Contact your mortgage servicer as soon as an or impound account looks wrong. The CFPB says you may need to send a written information request or notice of error. Watch monthly statements together with tax and insurance bills so you can spot a missed payment or an unexplained payment increase.

Full explanation

An escrow account — sometimes called an impound account — is a servicer-held account used to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance in monthly pieces instead of as large bills once or twice a year. Those tax and insurance amounts can change, and the total monthly mortgage payment can change with them.
The CFPB lists warning signs that include a payment change with no notice that taxes or premiums are moving, force-placed insurance the servicer bought and billed to you, and a local-government notice that property taxes were not paid. If taxes appear unpaid, send the bill with a notice of error. If the servicer missed a tax or insurance payment, contact the tax authority or insurer promptly. Unpaid property taxes can lead to a tax lien.
Start by asking the servicer whether the change is a mistake. If taxes were not paid from escrow, or you face imminent foreclosure or have been served with legal papers, the CFPB says a housing counselor or attorney may be appropriate. HUD-approved counseling agencies are listed in the CFPB Find a Counselor tool, and the HOPE Hotline is (888) 995-HOPE (4673). You can also submit a CFPB complaint online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

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Educational summary of public sources. Not personalized advice. The original official source controls where applicable.

Last reviewed

September 10, 2026

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