How to Pay Taxes After a Sheriff Sale
- 1). Research a listing of homes you may want to buy. This information can be obtained in the local newspaper, or often at a sheriff department's website. Once you have a list of potential properties, drive by each one to view the outside condition of the home and inspect the neighborhood.
- 2). Contact the sheriff's office to inquire about the tax process in your state. Be prepared to make numerous calls because you may be routed to the auditor's office or the tax department. You may need to speak with several people before you are connected to someone who can help you, but be persistent. Take notes, and write down the name or names of those who give you information, the date and time you spoke with them and what information you were given. If there is a discrepancy later, you can refer back to your notes to show that you were not at fault.
- 3). Speak to someone at the tax office, as well, to make sure that the information you were given by the auditor's or sheriff's office is correct. Inquire about any tax liens on the property. If there is one, this will save you an unpleasant surprise once the property is won at auction, and can help you determine if it is worth bidding on.
- 4). Perform a title search to make sure there are no additional liens or tax encumbrances on the property prior to bidding on it. This should be done through an attorney who handles real estate transactions or a company that specializes in title searches in your area.
- 5). Pay taxes owed, if any, upon obtaining the winning bid of the home, usually within 30 days of purchase. If you mail a check to the required department, enclose a letter showing the check number and amount, and retain a copy of it for your records. If you pay the taxes in person, obtain a receipt and store it in a safe place.