Tax Sale

If Real Estate taxes are not paid, the property will be sold. The collector has the option of placing the property in the tax sale the first and second year of delinquency, but must sell the property if there are three years delinquent taxes.

The tax sale list will be published in the paper three times but not fifteen days before the sale - usually the last two Fridays in July and the first Friday in August.

The tax sale is the fourth Monday in August at 10:00 a.m. and takes place in the first floor lobby of the Courthouse.

Buyers cannot bid if they have delinquent taxes.

Out-of-state bidders have to appoint a Missouri resident to bid.

Bidders must pay immediately - the day they buy the property. If not, they can be charged a 25% penalty and/or be prosecuted.

Bidding on all properties begins at the required amount - taxes, penalties, and all costs against the property.

A successful bidder:

• will receive a certificate of purchase which is transferrable.
• cannot take immediate possession (The owner, lien holder, or a person with legal interests could reclaim the property within a year.)
• must have a title search done.
• must notify all parties with an interest in the property by certified letter giving each one notified ninety days to reclaim the property.
• If not reclaimed, the certificate of purchase and certified letters can be exchanged at the collector's office for a collector's deed.
• The owner of a collector's deed may not get title insurance unless they have a quiet title.
• If reclaimed, the buyer will get back 10% annum on all required costs involved (not on the surplus monies).
• Remember - improvements have to be necessary and may involve a court of law to get your money back.