New York tax sale FAQ

Does New York sell tax lien certificates to investors?

Not under the statewide law. Under Article 11 the county keeps the delinquent tax lien and forecloses it itself, and investors buy the foreclosed property afterward. New York City sells liens only to a single authorized buyer, not the public. Nassau County is an exception with its own public tax lien auction under county law.RPTL 1136 - final judgment awards the parcel to the tax district (or authorizes a deed directly to another party), vesting fee simple absolute and barring all prior interests; discretionary reconveyance to the former owner before a third-party conveyanceN.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law 1136Verified Sep 27, 2026

How long is the redemption period for New York tax foreclosures?

Two years after the lien date by default, or a later date named in the published foreclosure notice. A tax district can extend it to three or four years for residential or farm property, to four or five years for certain deployed military members, or shorten it to one year for vacant and abandoned homes on a municipal roll.RPTL 1110 - redemption by paying the enforcing officer the delinquent tax liens and all charges; period expires two years after lien date unless extended or shortened, or a later date is publishedN.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law 1110Verified Sep 27, 2026

When does a New York county auction tax-foreclosed property?

There is no statewide month. Each county auctions after its own in rem foreclosure judgment, usually once a year, and dates vary. Many upstate counties hold online auctions through a contractor such as Auctions International; check the county treasurer's auction page for the date and parcel list.RPTL 1166 - a tax district that took title by Article 11 foreclosure may sell with or without advertising for bids; a sale other than a public auction to the highest bidder needs governing-body approvalN.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law 1166Verified Sep 27, 2026

Can a former owner redeem after I buy at a New York county tax auction?

No. The foreclosure judgment bars every right of redemption before the county sells, and the county holds fee simple absolute title when it conveys to the buyer. The deed's presumption of regular proceedings becomes conclusive two years after it is recorded.RPTL 1136 - final judgment awards the parcel to the tax district (or authorizes a deed directly to another party), vesting fee simple absolute and barring all prior interests; discretionary reconveyance to the former owner before a third-party conveyanceN.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law 1136Verified Sep 27, 2026

What happens to surplus money from a New York tax foreclosure auction?

Since 2024 the county must work out within 45 days whether the price exceeded the taxes, interest, penalties and charges, and pay any surplus into court. The former owner and lienholders claim it there. At a public auction the price paid is accepted as the property's full value.RPTL 1196 (L.2024, c.55, Part BB) - enforcing officer determines surplus within 45 days of the sale and pays it into courtN.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law 1196Verified Sep 27, 2026

Can I buy tax liens at the New York City tax lien sale?

No. New York City sells its tax liens only to a single authorized buyer, a trust, and the Department of Finance says it does not sell to the general public. There is no City-run tax deed auction for individual investors.NYC Department of Finance - Lien sales (the City sells liens only to a single authorized buyer, not the general public; 2025 sale held June 3, 2025; lien interest 6, 9 or 16 percent compounded daily by assessed value)Verified Sep 27, 2026

Is there a minimum bid at New York tax foreclosure auctions?

No statute sets one. Each county's terms of sale fix any minimum and the deposit, registration and payment rules, so read them before bidding.RPTL 1166 - a tax district that took title by Article 11 foreclosure may sell with or without advertising for bids; a sale other than a public auction to the highest bidder needs governing-body approvalN.Y. Real Prop. Tax Law 1166Verified Sep 27, 2026

Does the buyer pay transfer tax on a county tax-foreclosure deed in New York?

Usually yes. The state transfer tax is two dollars per 500 dollars of consideration. A county is an exempt grantor, and when the grantor is exempt the grantee must pay the tax.N.Y. Tax Law 1404 - the grantee pays the transfer tax when the grantor is exemptN.Y. Tax Law 1404Verified Sep 27, 2026

Ready to act on these rules? Follow how to buy New York tax deeds for the registration, bidding, and post-sale sequence in order.