Tax sale glossary
Redemption
When a delinquent owner reclaims their property by paying the overdue taxes plus interest and penalties. Redemption pays off a lien certificate with interest, or, in a redeemable deed state, pays back the buyer with a penalty.
Go deeper: Redemption periods explained.
Related terms
- Redeemable deed
- A hybrid instrument where the buyer purchases the deed at auction, but the former owner has a set window to redeem by paying the bid plus a penalty. Redeem, and the buyer earns the penalty; do not, and the buyer keeps the property. Georgia and Texas are examples.
Tax Sale Atlas publishes educational information about public tax sale processes. This is not legal, financial, or investment advice. Rules, dates, and fees change; confirm with the county office before you bid.
See the term in a real sale
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