Tax Sale

Real estate that has a third year delinquent tax must be offered for sale to discharge the lien for the delinquent and unpaid taxes. (RSMo 140.160)

List of properties can be found advertised in:
Bowling Green Times
Beginning the second week of July

It is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney regarding your rights as a purchaser. The Collector nor staff of the Collector’s office can provide legal advice. Buying property at a tax sale has many restrictions and is very different than foreclosure sales.

Review the entire Missouri Statue outlining laws for tax sales in Missouri

Properties subject to sale are advertised in the Bowling Green Times for three consecutive weeks prior to the tax sale, with the last advertisement being 15 days prior to sale date. (RSMo 140.170)

Tax sale is held on the southside of the Courthouse on the 4th Monday in August, beginning at 10 am (RSMo 140.150 AND 140.170)

Real Estate that has third year delinquent tax must be offered for sale to discharge the lien for the delinquent AND UNPAID TAXES (RSMo 140.160)

The sale is conducted in a public auction style, with an opening bid of the amount to cover all taxes, interest, and charges thereon.

Buying property at tax sale is very risky and has several restrictions.  The tax sale is very different from foreclosure sales conducted on the courthouse steps by trustees for lending institutions.

It is strongly recommended by the Collector’s Office to seek legal advice regarding further information on your rights as a tax sale purchaser.

The taxpayer has the opportunity to pay the taxes in full prior to the sale and a very high percentage is paid after advertising and before the sale.

Buyers must be present to bid.  Bidders must register in the Collector’s Office and  complete an affidavit stating they are not delinquent on any tax payment on any property. (RSMo 140.190)

If Bidder is not a Missouri resident, they must appoint a citizen of Pike County as their agent and they must consent in writing to the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court of the county (RSMo 140.190)

At the conclusion of the sale, the purchaser shall IMMEDIATELY pay the amount of bid to the Collector, and will receive a Certificate of Purchase. Purchaser is also responsible for all subsequent taxes. (RSMo 140.280 & .290)

Any surplus paid over the opening bid shall be deposited with the County Treasurer and may be claimed by the owner of record day of sale. If not claimed within three years, the surplus is disbursed to the schools. (RSMo 140.230)

Purchaser shall not be entitled to possession during the one-year redemption period. (RSMo 140.310)

No compensation shall be allowed for improvements made before the expiration of one year from the date of sale for taxes. (RSMo 140.360)