Delinquent Tax Sale Frequently Asked Questions: 

With Title Search

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  • When is the delinquent tax sale?

  • Sales always take place at 1:00 p.m. on a Tuesday on the first floor of the courthouse. Dates for sales are TBD and will be listed on the Delinquent Tax Sales page.
  • If there are any properties remaining after the first sale, they will be offered again under the same terms and conditions in a second sale. The second sale will be at the same time and place, exactly two weeks after the first sale.

  • What if a property does not sell in the second sale?

  • If there are any properties remaining after the second sale, they will be included in the auditor’s sale. These sales are rare and do not have fixed time frames.

  • Where can I access information about the sale before it happens?

  • You may also reach out to our office. Contact information can be found at the end of this document.

  • Where can I access information the day of the sale?

  • Information packets will be provided on the first floor of the Washington County Courthouse.

  • Is there a way for me to stay updated with the sale?

  • You can check the Treasurer's Office website. However, if you would like to be put on a contact list to be notified of updates concerning specific properties or the sale in general, please fill out the update request form here.

  • If I pay someone else’s property taxes before the sale, would I be granted ownership?

  • No. In Ohio, any property taxes paid by anyone other than the owner would be considered a gift. Therefore, the owner is not required to pay any of that money back, and you will not gain any interest in the property.

  • Can I request a property be included in a sale?

  • Yes. If you know of a property you would be interested in purchasing and would like it to be included in a sale, let us know. If it is eligible, we may be able to add it to a future sale.

  • Can I purchase a property included in the sale privately?

  • No. All properties must be auctioned to the public.

  • Can I purchase a single parcel out of a group?

  • Typically, when parcels share a common border, they are placed together in one case. Parcels within a single case must be purchased as a group.

  • Can I view the inside of the property before deciding to bid?

  • No. Washington County sells all properties AS IS. We do not own the home, and have no legal access to the property. Washington County does not condone trespassing on any property under any circumstances.

  • Do I have to register for the sale?

  • No, anyone can attend and bid at the sale, no registration required.
  • However, you can find a Purchaser Information Form here.

  • Can someone else bid on the property for me?

  • Yes. However, you take full and total responsibility for permitting someone else to bid on a tax sale with your money, or under your name. Once the auction is finished, the winning bidders’ information is collected immediately.
  • The deed performed at a later date will be completed with the information your trusted individual provides. Washington County cannot control what that individual tells us, and takes no responsibility for any mistakes or miscommunications made by said individual.

  • If I am the winning bidder, do I have to pay the entire owed amount the day of the sale?

  • The winning bidder is required to pay the minimum bid the day of the sale. The remaining amount, if any, must be paid within 30 days of the sale.

  • What is a minimum bid, and where can I find it?

  • A minimum bid is the total amount required to pay both the delinquent real estate taxes and the court costs accrued by the lawsuit for a specific case. In rare cases, if the tax amount is higher than the market value of the home according to the auditor’s records, then the minimum bid is based on the market value instead of the taxes owed.
  • Each minimum bid can be found in the Tax Sale Ad ran in the local newspaper, or the Washington County Treasurer’s website. You can also call (740) 373 - 6623 Ext. 2202 to get information on the minimum bid amounts.

  • How do I pay for a property I won in the sale?

  • The minimum bid must be paid with a cashier's check. No alternative options will be accepted.
  • The check must be made out to  the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

  • What is a title search, and how does that affect the sale?

  • A title search is a comprehensive report of all information pertaining to the property and its lien holders, if any.
  • This sale is titled-searched, meaning that an examination of public records referencing each property has been conducted. Title searches typically include deeds, tax liens, land records, court judgments, and mortgages, among other records. However, we provide no guarantees for any information, including: property description, amount of property, road access, condition of the property, street address, any kind of liens, encroachments, title of property, pending special assessments, etc.
  • Properties purchased from a title-searched sale are purchased free of all liens from lienholders included in the complaint, with the exception of federal liens.  All sales are buyer beware regardless, and Washington County does not guarantee any property be completely lien free.

  • Can I be refunded after the sale if I decide I no longer want the property?

  • No. All sales are final after the original owner(s) 30-day redemption period passes.

  • How does the original owner redeem the property?

  • The owner has a 30-day redemption period after the sale to pay what they owe and regain the property. If this occurs, the winning bidder is fully refunded.  After this period, redemption is no longer available and the sale is final.

  • How long will it take for the property to be transferred into my name?

  • The county must wait 30 days. Then it may take an additional month to transfer ownership depending on the amount of properties that were sold in the sale.

  • How does the property get transferred into my name?

  • Washington County Courthouse staff work on the property transfer. If you purchased the property for more than the minimum bid, the Sheriff’s Office will contact you when they require those funds. After that, simply wait for the property ownership to be transferred.

  • What if I purchase a property and discover a lien on it?

  • Due to the sale being titled searched, most liens become void after being sold, meaning there is no claim to the property. However, certain liens do not become void, and would then be the responsibility of the buyer.

  • What if there is a mobile home on the property?

  • Sale of real estate will not transfer the title of any mobile homes on the property. The purchaser assumes responsibility for transferring the title, or eviction and removal of the mobile home. 

If you have any additional questions, please contact Jazmine in the Prosecutor’s Office at hkeaveney@wcgov.org or call (740) 373 - 6623 Ext. 2202.

THIS INFORMATION SHEET IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

IT IS AN EXPLANATION OF SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE DELINQUENT TAX LAWSUIT AND SALE.

THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.