Delinquent Tax Certificate Sale

All lands and lots on which taxes are delinquent and unpaid for 3 years are subject to a tax certificate sale at public auction. The tax sale is held annually on the 4th Monday in August commencing at 10 a.m. at the Cole County Courthouse.

• Delinquent taxes with penalty, interest and costs may be paid to the county collector at any time prior to the scheduled sale date.
• The list of properties subject to sale is published in the Jefferson City News Tribune for three consecutive weeks prior to the tax sale.
• Non-residents of Missouri may not bid unless special arrangements have been made with the collector prior to the sale.
• The sale is conducted by the collector. Bidding begins for the amount of taxes, penalties and sales costs.
• Buyers or a buyer's representative must be present to bid.
• Each parcel offered for sale is individually identified by advertised item number, parcel number and owner of record.
• Buyer must sign an affidavit stating that he/she is not currently delinquent on any tax payments on any property. Failure to sign such affidavit, as well as signing a false affidavit, may invalidate the property purchase. Affidavits are available at the collector's office or the sale site immediately prior to the tax sale.
• The successful bidder receives a sale sheet identifying the parcel and bid price at the auction. The total purchase price must be paid to the collector's office immediately at the close of the sale. Cashier's check, bank draft, cash or money order are accepted. Personal checks are not accepted.
• If the bid is not paid, a penalty of 25% of the bid amount plus a prosecuting attorney's fee may be assessed against the bidder.
• The collector issues and mails a certificate of purchase to the purchaser. The certificate of purchase is retained for one year or until the property is redeemed with the exception of certificates issued prior to August 28, 2003 which are retained for two years or until property is redeemed.
• The original property owner may redeem the property anytime within one year from the sale date.
• The purchaser may assign ownership of the certificate of purchase by completing the assignment portion on the certificate. The assignee must be a resident of Missouri. The certificate can not be assigned to anyone owing delinquent taxes. Such assignment must be notarized and presented to the collector's office to be recorded. The collector's office normally has a notary public available.
• Liens are not extinguished at the time of sale or during any period of redemption.