Tyler v. Hennepin County
2023The U.S. Supreme Court held that retaining surplus proceeds from a tax-forfeited property sale beyond the tax debt constitutes an unconstitutional taking.
MN
Minnesota
Tax Deed
Minnesota tax-forfeited land auctions are conducted by individual counties after the statutory redemption period has expired and title has vested in the state. Sales are typically held via public auction, with properties sold as-is to the highest bidder. The process is governed by Minn. Stat. Chapter 282, with recent reforms addressing surplus proceeds.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 87 |
| BS&A municipalities | 41 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax-forfeited land sale
- Redemption period
- None post-sale
- Sale frequency
- Varies by county
- Minimum bid
- Varies (EMV or taxes/costs)
- Deed type
- State deed
- Bidder deposit
- Varies by county
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Deed |
| Redemption Period | The redemption period occurs before the property is forfeited to the state. It is generally three years from the date of the tax judgment sale, though it may be one year for specific properties such as those in targeted neighborhoods. |
| Penalty / Interest | Simple interest is charged on the delinquent tax, penalty, and fees at an annual percentage rate of 10% on a monthly basis. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 87 |
| Typical Sale Month | Varies by county |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Auctions are managed by the county auditor and may be conducted in-person, online, or via sealed bid. Bidder registration requirements vary by county. The initial minimum bid is typically the estimated market value, which may be reduced to the amount of delinquent taxes, assessments, penalties, interest, and costs if the property remains unsold. Full payment is generally required at the time of sale.
Post-sale obligations
The winning bidder receives a state deed after the sale is finalized and recorded. There is no post-sale redemption period. The purchaser is responsible for the property upon taking title, and properties are sold on an as-is basis, carrying risks of title defects, environmental issues, and existing liens or easements.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Minnesota tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$5,000
Timeline6 mo.
Notable counties
Key Minnesota counties for tax deed investors.
Hennepin County
The state's most populous county and the site of the landmark Tyler v. Hennepin County case.
St. Louis County
A large county with significant tax-forfeited land inventory and active auction schedules.
Anoka County
Frequently utilizes online auction platforms and provides detailed online resources for bidders.
Recent statutory changes
- Legislation was enacted on May 19, 2024, to address the Tyler v. Hennepin County ruling, establishing a settlement fund and changing how surplus proceeds from tax-forfeited land sales are handled.
How to bid at a Minnesota tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Minnesota tax deed sales.
- 1
Research the auction catalog
Review the list of available properties published by the county auditor.
- 2
Verify property details
Conduct independent research on zoning, environmental status, and liens.
- 3
Register for the auction
Complete any required registration with the county or the online auction platform.
- 4
Submit your bid
Place your bid during the designated auction window.
- 5
Pay the balance
Remit the full payment as required by the county's terms and conditions.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Minnesota.
Minn. Stat. § 281.17
Defines the period of redemption for tax-delinquent properties.
Minn. Stat. § 282.005
Governs the initial sale of tax-forfeited land.
Minn. Stat. § 282.01
Outlines the classification and management of tax-forfeited lands.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Minnesota tax deed investors.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Minnesota tax deed investors.
- There is no post-sale redemption period. The redemption period occurs before the property is forfeited to the state.
- It is not strictly required by statute, but it is often necessary to obtain marketable title for future sale or financing.
- Properties are sold as-is. Risks include existing easements, restrictive covenants, and potential defects in the forfeiture process.
- Challenges are typically handled through litigation. Recent changes following Tyler v. Hennepin County have impacted how surplus proceeds are managed.
- Auctions are managed by the county auditor and can be in-person, online, or sealed bid.
- Inspection policies vary by county; bidders are strongly encouraged to conduct independent research.
How does Minnesota's redemption period work for tax deed purchases?
Do I need a quiet title action after a Minnesota tax deed purchase?
What title risks should a Minnesota tax deed buyer know about?
What happens if the former owner challenges a Minnesota tax sale?
How are Minnesota tax deed auctions typically conducted?
Can I inspect properties before bidding at Minnesota tax sales?
Title Risk Flags
Properties are sold as-is without warranty. Common risks include environmental contamination, existing easements, deed restrictions, and potential title defects that may require a quiet title action to resolve.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.