Step 4Your planKnow your rights80 rights

Property taxes & tax sales

Delinquent taxes, tax sales and your equity.

The Constitution

U.S. ConstitutionVerified Sep 23, 2026

The right to real notice before the government takes or sells your home

U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1Due Process Clause

Before a state or county sells your property — for example at a tax sale, or through a court foreclosure — the Constitution requires notice that is reasonably likely to actually reach you. If the government knows your address, publishing a notice in the newspaper is not enough. If a mailed notice comes back unclaimed, the government must take extra reasonable steps to reach you, if it practicably can.

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U.S. ConstitutionVerified Sep 23, 2026

The government cannot keep your home equity beyond the tax debt

U.S. Const. amend. VTakings Clause

If your home is taken or sold to pay property taxes, the government may collect what you owe, but it may not keep the extra value. Keeping the surplus is a "taking" of your property without just compensation, which the Fifth Amendment forbids (Tyler v. Hennepin County, 2023). You may be able to claim the surplus, but you usually must follow your state's claim process and deadlines.

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Federal law

Federal regulationVerified Sep 23, 2026

Fair handling of your escrow account

12 C.F.R. § 1024.17(c)(1)

If your servicer collects money for taxes and insurance (escrow), it must pay those bills on time as long as you are not more than 30 days behind. It must review the account every year and send you a statement. It cannot keep more than a small cushion (one-sixth of a year's payments), and it must refund a surplus of $50 or more within 30 days of the review. When you pay off the loan, it must return what is left within 20 business days.

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State laws

Alabama

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem within three years after a tax sale

Ala. Code § 40-10-120(a)

After an Alabama tax sale, the owner, heirs or personal representatives can redeem the property within three years from the sale by paying the amounts required by law. Occupants may have additional rights later with court help.

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Alaska

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem for at least one year after tax foreclosure transfer

Alaska Stat. § 29.45.400

In Alaska, a city or borough forecloses on property with unpaid taxes in a yearly court case. After the property is transferred to the municipality, it must hold it for at least one year, and during that time you can redeem by paying the taxes, penalties, interest and costs. You may usually stay in the home meanwhile.

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Arizona

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax lien — at least 3 years after the sale

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-18152(A)

In Arizona, unpaid property taxes are sold as a tax lien, not your home. You can redeem the lien within three years of the sale, and even after that until the buyer gets a treasurer’s deed through a court case. Redeeming means paying the taxes plus interest and fees to the county treasurer.

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Arkansas

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem tax-delinquent land until the day before the state’s sale

Ark. Code Ann. § 26-37-202(e)(1)

In Arkansas, land with unpaid taxes is certified to the Commissioner of State Lands, who later sells it at auction. You can redeem by paying all taxes, penalties, interest and costs before 4:00 p.m. Central time on the last business day before the sale.

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California

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem tax-defaulted property until the day before the tax sale

Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code § 3707(a)(1)

In California, unpaid property taxes lead to a tax sale only after years of default (usually five for a home). You can redeem by paying what is owed until the close of business on the last business day before the sale starts. You can also start a five-year installment plan before the county gains the power to sell.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to claim excess proceeds after a tax sale

Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code § 4675(a)(1)

If the county sells your property for more than the taxes and costs, the extra money (excess proceeds) can be claimed. Any party of interest, including the former owner, can file a claim with the county within one year after the tax deed is recorded. California had this process before the 2023 Tyler v. Hennepin County decision.

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Colorado

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem after a tax lien sale

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 39-12-103(1)

In Colorado, the county sells a tax lien on your property, not the property itself. You, or anyone with a legal or equitable claim, can redeem by paying the treasurer the taxes, interest and costs. The lien buyer generally cannot seek a public auction of the property until three years after the sale.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to the remaining overbid after a treasurer’s public auction

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 39-11.5-109

Since 2024 (after Tyler v. Hennepin County), Colorado requires a public auction before a tax-lien holder can take your property, and the extra money (overbid) is paid out. After junior lienholders are paid, any remaining overbid must be paid to the property owner. The treasurer must mail you a notice about it within 30 days after the auction.

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Connecticut

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem within six months after a tax sale

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-157(f)

After a Connecticut tax sale, the deed is held for six months. During that time you (or a mortgage holder or lienholder) can redeem by paying the collector the taxes, interest and charges plus 18% yearly interest on the buyer’s price, and other amounts owed to the town. If you redeem, the deed is cancelled.

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Delaware

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem within 60 days after the court approves a tax sale

Del. Code tit. 9, § 8729

After a Delaware tax sale under the monition process, the owner can redeem within 60 days from the day the court approves the sale. You pay the buyer the purchase price plus 15 percent and the costs of the case.

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District of Columbia

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem after a tax sale until foreclosure of redemption is final

D.C. Code § 47-1360

After a D.C. tax sale, the owner or anyone with an interest may redeem the property at any time until a court’s foreclosure of the right of redemption is final. You pay the Office of Tax and Revenue the amount owed with interest and costs. The buyer can file suit only after several months.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Equity distribution for owner-occupied homes after a tax-sale foreclosure

D.C. Code § 47-1382.01(a)–(d)

If a D.C. tax-sale buyer wins a judgment foreclosing your right of redemption on a small home (5 units or fewer) that you, or an heir, lived in as a principal residence, the court appoints a trustee to sell the property and distribute the proceeds. This protects much of your equity instead of letting the buyer keep the whole home.

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Florida

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax certificate until a tax deed is issued

Fla. Stat. § 197.472(1)

When Florida property taxes go unpaid, the county sells a tax certificate (a lien), not your home. You can redeem the certificate at any time before a tax deed is issued, by paying the face amount plus interest and costs to the tax collector. A tax deed cannot be applied for until at least two years after April 1 of the year the certificate was issued.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to surplus after a tax deed sale

Fla. Stat. § 197.582(2)(a)

If your property sells at a Florida tax deed sale for more than the certificate holder’s opening bid, the extra is surplus. The clerk must pay it out to government units, lienholders and then the former owner. Florida had this rule before the 2023 Tyler v. Hennepin County decision.

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Georgia

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem your property for at least 12 months after a tax sale

O.C.G.A. § 48-4-40(1)–(2)

In Georgia a tax sale buyer gets a deed that is still subject to your right to redeem. You can redeem at any time within 12 months of the sale, and after that until the buyer serves a notice that forecloses your right to redeem. Redeeming costs the sale price plus taxes, costs and a premium.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to notice of excess funds after a tax sale

O.C.G.A. § 48-4-5(a)

If a Georgia tax sale brings in more than the taxes, costs and expenses, the extra money is excess funds. The officer who sold the property must mail written notice of the excess funds to the record owner and others with recorded interests within 30 days after the sale. You can then claim the funds.

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Hawaii

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem within one year after a tax sale

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 231-67

After a Hawaii tax sale, you can redeem the property within one year (from the sale, or from recording of the deed if it was recorded more than 60 days after the sale). You pay the buyer what they paid, plus their costs and 12% interest a year.

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Idaho

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem even after a tax deed, until the county sells

Idaho Code § 63-1007(1)

In Idaho, the county takes a tax deed to property after years of unpaid taxes. Even after the tax deed, the record owner or a party in interest can redeem by paying the delinquency and costs, up to the time the county signs a contract to sell the property or transfers it by county deed.

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Illinois

State lawNot yet verified

Right to redeem after a tax sale — 2½ to 3 years for most homes

35 ILCS 200/21-350

When Illinois property taxes are sold at the annual tax sale, the buyer gets a lien certificate, not the home. You can redeem through the county clerk by paying the taxes plus penalties, which grow over time. For most homes the period is at least 2½ years from the sale; a 2026 amendment may have lengthened it to 3 years — check your notice. The buyer must serve you notice months before the period ends.

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Indiana

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem after a tax sale — generally one year

Ind. Code § 6-1.1-25-4(a)

After an Indiana tax sale, the buyer gets a certificate, not a deed. You can redeem the property, generally within one year after the sale (sometimes 120 days), by paying the county auditor the amount set by law. The cost goes up after six months.

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Iowa

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem after a tax sale until the right expires

Iowa Code § 447.1(1)

After an Iowa tax sale, you can redeem at any time before the right of redemption expires by paying the county treasurer the amount of the sale plus 2% interest per month and later taxes paid by the buyer. The right usually lasts at least one year and nine months, and the buyer must serve a notice giving you 90 more days before it ends.

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Kansas

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem land bid in by the county for taxes

Kan. Stat. § 79-2401a

When Kansas property is sold for delinquent taxes, the county generally holds it, subject to the owner’s right to redeem. The owner, heirs or a mortgage holder can redeem by paying the taxes, interest and costs. The period is generally two years (longer for some homesteads), and you can often still redeem until the court-ordered sale.

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Kentucky

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to pay a tax certificate before foreclosure, and to redeem after a low court sale

Ky. Rev. Stat. § 134.546(1), (5)

In Kentucky, unpaid property taxes become a certificate of delinquency that a buyer can purchase. The holder must wait at least one year after the taxes became delinquent before suing to foreclose, and you can pay the certificate before the foreclosure sale. If the home is sold in that foreclosure, it is appraised, and the six-month redemption right applies if it sells for under two-thirds of its value.

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Louisiana

State constitutionNot yet verified

Right to pay off a property-tax lien before it is enforced (rules recently changed)

La. Const. art. VII, § 25(A)(A)(1)

Louisiana rewrote its tax-sale system in 2024–2025. The Constitution now says there is no forfeiture of property for unpaid taxes: the taxes become a lien, interest cannot exceed 1% a month, the penalty cannot exceed 5%, and there must be a period during which the lien cannot be enforced. Pay the tax collector as early as possible; the old “three-year redemption” rule may not apply to newer sales.

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State constitutionVerified Sep 23, 2026

Constitutional right to a procedure for claiming excess proceeds

La. Const. art. VII, § 25(A)(1)(d)

After the 2024 amendment, Louisiana’s Constitution requires the legislature to provide a procedure for claiming the excess proceeds when property is sold to enforce a tax lien. If your property is sold for more than the taxes and charges, ask the tax collector how to claim the rest.

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Maine

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to pay off a tax lien within 18 months

Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 943

In Maine, unpaid property taxes become a tax lien mortgage recorded at the registry of deeds. You have 18 months after the tax lien certificate is recorded to pay the taxes, interest and costs. If you do not, the lien is treated as foreclosed and your right to redeem ends, so watch for the town’s notices before the deadline.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to excess sale proceeds when a town sells a tax-acquired home

Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 36, § 943-C

After Tyler v. Hennepin County, Maine changed its law. When a town sells tax-acquired property, it must use a set sale process and pay the former owner the excess sale proceeds above the taxes and costs, after sending written notice by first-class and certified mail.

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Maryland

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem after a tax sale until the court forecloses the right

Md. Code, Tax-Prop. § 14-827

When Maryland property is sold at a tax sale, the buyer gets a certificate, not the house. You can redeem at any time until a court finally forecloses your right of redemption. The buyer generally must wait months before suing, and you receive notices along the way.

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Massachusetts

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem land taken or sold for taxes until foreclosure is filed

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 60, § 62

When a Massachusetts city or town takes or sells your land for unpaid taxes, you keep a right to redeem it. You redeem by paying the tax title account plus interest and charges to the treasurer. The right lasts until a petition to foreclose is filed in Land Court, and you can often still redeem during that case.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to claim excess equity after a tax-title foreclosure

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 60, § 64A

After Tyler v. Hennepin County, Massachusetts changed its law so former owners can claim “excess equity” after a Land Court judgment forecloses their right of redemption. The town or buyer must tell you by certified mail whether it will keep or sell the property and how to claim excess equity. Follow the steps and deadlines in that notice.

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Michigan

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem tax-forfeited property until March 31 after the foreclosure judgment

MCL 211.78g

In Michigan, unpaid property taxes lead to forfeiture to the county treasurer and then a court foreclosure. You can still redeem by paying what is owed until March 31 after the foreclosure judgment (or within 21 days of the judgment in a contested case). Eligible owners can also ask the treasurer about a payment plan that stops the foreclosure.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to claim remaining proceeds after a tax foreclosure sale — file by July 1

MCL 211.78t(2)

After Rafaeli v. Oakland County (2020), Michigan lets former owners claim the money left over when the county sells a tax-foreclosed property. You must send the county the state’s claim form (Form 5743) by the July 1 right after the foreclosure takes effect. Later, the county files a court motion and you can ask the court to award you the remaining proceeds.

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Minnesota

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem after a tax judgment sale — usually 3 years

Minn. Stat. § 281.17(a)

In Minnesota, delinquent property taxes lead to a court tax judgment and a sale “to the state.” You usually have three years from that sale to redeem by paying the taxes, penalties, interest and costs. Some properties have shorter periods, and a confession of judgment can let you pay over time.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to claim surplus after a tax-forfeited property auction

Minn. Stat. § 282.005subds. 3–6

Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023) came from Minnesota, and the state then changed its law. Now forfeited property is generally sold at public auction, and if there is a surplus above the minimum bid, the county auditor must send interested parties, including the former owner, a notice and a claim form within 60 days of the sale. Before the auction, an interested party may also repurchase the property by paying what is owed.

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Mississippi

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem within two years after a tax sale

Miss. Code Ann. § 27-45-3

After a Mississippi tax sale, the owner or anyone interested in the land can redeem it at any time within two years after the day of sale by paying the chancery clerk the taxes, costs and interest set by law.

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Missouri

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Absolute right to redeem for one year after a tax sale

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 140.3401.

After a Missouri tax sale, the owner, lienholders, occupants and others with an interest have an absolute right to redeem during the next year by paying the county collector. After that, a limited right to redeem can continue until the buyer properly completes the steps for a collector’s deed. Shorter or no periods apply after third-offering and later sales.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to claim surplus from a tax sale held by the county

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 140.2301.–2.

If Missouri land sold for taxes brings more than the taxes and costs, the collector must report the surplus and pay it into the county treasury. The treasurer holds it for the person entitled to it, such as the recorded owner or lienholders, for a limited time before it goes to the school fund. Claim it promptly.

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Montana

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax lien for about 3 years

Mont. Code Ann. § 15-18-111(1)

In Montana, unpaid property taxes become a tax lien. The owner, an occupant or any interested party can redeem the lien until the first working day in August, 3 years after the lien attached (shorter for some undeveloped lots). Owner-occupants must get extra notice before a tax deed issues.

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Nebraska

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax sale until the tax deed application

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-1824

After your property’s taxes are sold at a Nebraska tax sale, you (or anyone with an interest) can redeem by paying the county treasurer the certificate amount, later taxes and interest. The right ends when the buyer files a tax deed application with the treasurer (at least three years after the sale in most cases).

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Court decisionNot yet verified

Possible claim for lost equity after a tax deed (post-Tyler)

Cont'l Res. v. Fair, 317 Neb. 391 (2024)

After Tyler v. Hennepin County, the Nebraska Supreme Court held that an owner whose property was taken by tax deed for a much smaller debt may pursue a takings claim for the lost equity (Continental Resources v. Fair, 2024). Nebraska’s statutes on surplus after a tax deed were not reviewed in this pass.

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Nevada

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Two years to redeem property held for unpaid taxes

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 361.570(1)

If property taxes are not paid, the county treasurer holds the property in trust under a certificate. You can redeem during the 2 years after the first Monday in June of the certificate year (1 year if the property is found abandoned) by paying the taxes, penalties, interest and costs.

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New Hampshire

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax lien until the collector’s deed

N.H. Rev. Stat. § 80:69

Anyone with a legal interest in land under a New Hampshire real estate tax lien can redeem by paying the tax collector the lien amount plus interest any time before the collector gives a deed (generally two years). Partial payments are allowed.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Excess proceeds from selling tax-deeded property

N.H. Rev. Stat. § 80:88

When a town sells property it took by tax deed, it may keep only back taxes, interest, costs and penalty. Within 60 days of the sale closing, the town must file an interpleader in superior court and pay in the excess, naming the former owner so the court can decide who gets it.

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New Jersey

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax sale certificate

N.J. Stat. § 54:5-54

When a town sells a tax sale certificate on your property, you still own the home. You can redeem (pay off the certificate plus interest and costs) at any time until a court foreclosure judgment cuts off your right. A private buyer must wait two years before suing to foreclose.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to demand a sale and keep the surplus (2024 law)

N.J. Stat. § 54:5-98.1a.

After Tyler v. Hennepin County, New Jersey changed its law in 2024. In a tax-sale foreclosure, before final judgment, the owner can demand in writing that the Superior Court order a sheriff’s sale or online auction instead of giving the certificate holder the whole home. Money left after the taxes and costs goes to the owner.

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New Mexico

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to stop the tax sale by paying by 5 p.m. the day before

N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-38-66

The state cannot sell your property for delinquent taxes if all taxes, penalties, interest and costs are paid by 5:00 p.m. the day before the sale. There is no redemption after the sale.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Balance of a tax sale goes to the former owner

N.M. Stat. Ann. § 7-38-71

After a New Mexico tax sale pays the taxes and costs, the balance is paid to the former owner (or someone the court designates).

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New York

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem before a tax foreclosure

N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 1110(1), (2)

Under the standard state process (RPTL Article 11), you can redeem (pay off) a delinquent tax lien up to the end of the redemption period. That period is generally two years after the lien date. A town may lengthen it for homes and farms, or shorten it to one year for vacant and abandoned property.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to claim surplus after a tax foreclosure sale

N.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law § 1197(1)

After Tyler v. Hennepin County, New York amended its tax-foreclosure law in 2024. Anyone who had an interest in the property right before the foreclosure judgment — including the former owner — can file a claim in court for a share of any surplus from the sale.

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North Carolina

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem before a tax foreclosure sale is confirmed

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-374

In a North Carolina tax lien foreclosure, you can redeem your property by paying the taxes, penalties, interest and costs before the court confirms the foreclosure sale. Confirmation happens after the upset-bid period ends.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Surplus from a tax foreclosure sale goes to those entitled

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-374(q)

After a tax foreclosure sale pays the costs, taxes and other listed claims, the commissioner pays any surplus to the clerk for the people entitled to it — usually the former owner. If there is a dispute, the clerk holds the money until a special proceeding decides who gets it.

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North Dakota

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Notice and time to pay before the tax lien is foreclosed (October 1)

N.D. Cent. Code §§ 57-28-01, 57-28-02

When taxes are two or more years past due, the county auditor must give a notice of foreclosure of tax lien by June 1. The lien is foreclosed on October 1 after that notice, so you can redeem by paying before then. After that, you may still be able to repurchase from the county until it sells.

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Ohio

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem delinquent land before the tax sale is confirmed

Ohio Rev. Code § 5721.25

You can redeem land with delinquent property taxes by paying the county treasurer the taxes, penalties, interest and costs. You can do this before a tax foreclosure starts and, after it starts, until the court confirms the sale. Treasurers can also offer redemption payment plans.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to excess proceeds after a tax foreclosure sale

Ohio Rev. Code § 5721.20

When land is sold in a tax foreclosure for more than the taxes and costs, the county treasurer keeps the excess for the owner. The owner must demand it within three years, or it is forfeited to a county fund.

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Oklahoma

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem property sold for taxes before the resale auction

Okla. Stat. tit. 68, § 3113

In Oklahoma, the owner (or anyone with an interest) can redeem real estate sold for delinquent taxes by paying the county treasurer the taxes, interest and costs, up to the start of the resale auction. Minors and incapacitated owners get extra time.

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Oregon

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Two years to redeem after a tax foreclosure judgment

Or. Rev. Stat. § 312.120(1), (2)

After a county tax foreclosure judgment, the county holds the property for two years. During that time you can redeem by paying the judgment amount with interest, plus a 5% penalty and a fee. You can usually stay in the home during that time.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to claim surplus after the county disposes of foreclosed property

Or. Rev. Stat. § 312.540(1), (2)

Oregon’s tax-foreclosure law now has a surplus process (ORS 312.500 to 312.560), in line with Tyler v. Hennepin County. When the county sells or keeps tax-foreclosed property, a former owner (or heirs) is entitled to the surplus value, claimed through the State Treasurer.

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Pennsylvania

State lawNot yet verified

Redemption after a Philadelphia-style tax sale (owner-occupants)

53 P.S. § 7293

Under the Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act (used by Philadelphia and some other places), an owner who lives in the home may be able to redeem it within nine months after the sheriff’s deed is acknowledged. Under the Real Estate Tax Sale Law used in most counties there is no redemption after the sale, so acting before the upset sale is key.

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Rhode Island

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax sale until the buyer petitions to foreclose

R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-9-21

After a Rhode Island tax sale, you can redeem from the buyer by paying the purchase price, later taxes, 1% monthly interest, costs and a penalty, any time before the buyer files a petition to foreclose (the buyer must wait at least a year). After that, redemption goes through the court.

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South Carolina

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Twelve months to redeem after a tax sale

S.C. Code § 12-51-90(A)

After a delinquent tax sale, you (or a mortgage or judgment creditor) can redeem within twelve months by paying the taxes, penalties, costs and interest. You keep possession of the home during the redemption period.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to the tax sale overage

S.C. Code § 12-51-130

If the tax sale bid is more than the taxes, penalties and costs, the extra (the “overage”) belongs to the owner of record just before the redemption period ended, after any municipal tax liens. It is payable 90 days after the tax deed, and it escheats to the state if not claimed within five years.

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South Dakota

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

At least three years before a tax deed can be sought

S.D. Codified Laws § 10-25-1

If a tax certificate on your South Dakota property is sold and not redeemed, the holder can start a tax deed proceeding only after three years from the certificate sale. You can redeem until the process ends (including a notice period after service).

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Tennessee

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem after a tax sale (up to one year)

Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-5-2701(a)

After a Tennessee court confirms a tax sale, you can redeem by motion to the court. The period starts when the order confirming the sale is entered and is at most one year; it is shorter (180 days, 90 days, or 30 days for vacant property) when taxes were delinquent longer.

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Texas

State constitutionVerified Sep 23, 2026

Due course of law under the Texas Constitution

Tex. Const. art. I, § 19

The Texas Constitution says no citizen may be deprived of property except by the “due course of the law of the land.” It is the state’s version of due process: government action that takes property must follow fair procedures, including notice and a chance to be heard.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem your home after a property-tax sale

Tex. Tax Code § 34.21(a), (e)

If your residence homestead (or agricultural land) is sold at a tax sale, you can buy it back within two years after the buyer’s deed is recorded. You repay the bid and certain costs plus a premium: 25% in the first year, 50% in the second. For other property the window is 180 days. Owners 65+, disabled owners and disabled veterans can also stop a tax suit or sale on their homestead by filing a deferral affidavit.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to claim excess proceeds from a tax sale

Tex. Tax Code § 34.04(a), (c)(5)

When a tax sale brings in more than the taxes and costs, the extra money (excess proceeds) is held by the court clerk for two years. The clerk must mail you a notice if the excess is more than $25. You claim it by filing a petition in the court that ordered the sale before the second anniversary of the sale.

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Utah

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem any time before the tax sale

Utah Code § 59-2-1346(1), (2)

In Utah, property with delinquent taxes can be redeemed any time before the county tax sale, which is held in May or June after four years of delinquency. You pay the county treasurer all delinquent taxes, charges, interest, penalties and costs.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Tax sale excess is held as unclaimed property for the owner

Utah Code § 59-2-1351.1(7)

If the Utah tax sale brings more than the taxes, charges, penalties, interest and costs, the excess is treated as unclaimed property. The former owner can claim it through the state unclaimed property program.

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Vermont

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

One year to redeem after a tax sale — and a repayment plan first

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 32, § 5260

Before a Vermont town can hold a tax sale, it must offer you a written, reasonable repayment plan. If the sale happens, you can redeem within one year by paying the sale price plus 1% interest per month; the collector must send a reminder 90 to 120 days before the year ends.

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Virginia

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem before the tax sale

Va. Code § 58.1-3974

If the locality sues to sell your property for delinquent taxes, you (or your heirs) can redeem it any time before the judicial sale date. You pay into court all taxes, penalties, interest and costs, including a reasonable attorney fee set by the court.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to the surplus from a tax sale

Va. Code § 58.1-3967

After a Virginia tax sale, the former owner and heirs are entitled to the money left over after taxes, penalties, interest, attorney fees, costs and liens. You must claim it within two years after the court confirms the sale, or it goes to the locality.

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Washington

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem until the day before the tax sale

RCW 84.64.070

After the county gets a tax foreclosure judgment, you can still redeem by paying the taxes, interest and costs to the county treasurer any time before the close of business the day before the sale. No fee may be charged for redeeming.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to excess funds from a tax sale

RCW 84.64.080

If the county tax sale brings more than what was owed, the excess must be refunded to the record owner on application. If no one claims it within three years, it goes to the county and the claim is lost.

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West Virginia

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax lien until the tax deed issues

W. Va. Code § 11A-3-56(a)

After a West Virginia tax lien is sold, the owner (or anyone entitled to pay the taxes, or a lienholder) can redeem any time before a tax deed is issued by paying the State Auditor the taxes, interest (1% a month) and charges.

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Wisconsin

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax certificate, including in partial payments

Wis. Stat. § 75.01(1), (4)

When the county takes a tax certificate on your land, you can redeem it by paying the unpaid taxes plus interest and penalty to the county treasurer. You can make partial payments of at least $20. Redemption before the tax deed is recorded voids the deed.

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State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to share in proceeds after the county sells tax-deeded land

Wis. Stat. § 75.36(2m)

When the county takes a tax deed, the treasurer must notify the former owner by registered or certified mail that they may be entitled to a share of a future sale. After the sale, the county sends the former owner the net proceeds after taxes, costs and other listed deductions.

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Wyoming

State lawVerified Sep 23, 2026

Right to redeem a tax sale until a tax deed application is accepted

Wyo. Stat. § 39-13-109(e)(i)

After your Wyoming property’s tax lien is sold, you can redeem it by paying the county treasurer any time before a valid tax deed application is filed and accepted — generally at least four years after the sale.

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