Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
To clear up any confusion, the two women prepared questions and answers regarding tax sales and requested that they be printed in the newspaper.
1. Why does the county have to sell properties at a tax sale?
State law requires the sale of property when taxpayers fail to pay property taxes.
The county cannot pick and choose whose property they want to sell for delinquent taxes.
2. If a taxpayer does not get a tax bill, are they still liable for their property tax?
Yes. If a taxpayer fails to receive a tax bill, it does not relieve the taxpayer from the obligation to pay the property tax.
3. How delinquent do property taxes have to be before they are sold at a tax sale?
If a taxpayer fails to pay three tax payments, the property by state law becomes subject to tax sale. There are no exceptions.
4. How are property owners notified that their properties are being offered at the tax sale?
Taxpayers who failed to pay two installments in one year are mailed a letter following spring indicating if they fail to pay their spring installment, their property is eligible for tax sale in the fall. If they fail to pay the taxes with the courtesy notice, then taxpayers are notified by certified mail in advance of the tax sale. The county is required by law to print three legal notices - one each week in advance of the tax sale in two local newspapers.
5. Where are the tax sale notices mailed?
Taxpayers are notified of a tax sale at their last known address. If a property owners move, they must notify the county auditor's office.
6. What happens if a property is sold at a tax sale?
If a property is sold at a tax sale, it means someone paid the taxes due on the property on behalf of the actual owner. Tax sale buyers are entitled a return on their money. If the taxpayer decides to redeem the property, they must pay the taxes that were paid by the tax sale buyer, plus any fees and interest which apply.
7. How soon after a tax sale is a person required to leave the property?
The taxpayer who lost their property in a tax sale has one year to redeem their property. The person who purchases property at a tax sale cannot take possession of the property until one year from the date of sale.
8. How does a person who lost their property in a tax sale redeem a property sold at tax sale?
The taxpayer would be required to pay all delinquent taxes plus fees and interest accrued.
9. What happens if a taxpayer does not redeem the property sold at a tax sale within one year?
The tax sale buyer must make notification that he plans to take title to the property. The buyer must notify the property owner and any other entity with a substantial interest in the property.
The buyer petitions the court and a judge issues an order for the auditor to prepare a tax title deed to convey the property to the buyer. The title is clear to the tax sale buyer.
10. Does a person who loses their property in a tax sale get anything?
If a tax sale buyer paid more than just the taxes due on the property, the property owner who lost the property is entitled to the surplus being held by the county.
A taxpayer can contact the auditor's or treasurer's office to inquire about surplus tax sale funds. The paperwork is provided by the county offices.
If taxpayers are unable to pay all their taxes, they can make partial payments.
The next tax sale is Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. on the third floor of the county courthouse, Warsaw.
