Bhatti v. City of St. Louis
2011Clarified that the sheriff is not required to take extraordinary steps to notify a previous owner if the notice provided was reasonably calculated to apprise them of the sale.
MO
Missouri
Tax Deed
Missouri tax lien auctions are held annually on the fourth Monday of August, where collectors sell tax certificates for delinquent properties. Winning bidders receive a certificate of purchase, not immediate title. A one-year redemption period typically applies, during which the owner may reclaim the property by paying the taxes, interest, and costs.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 115 |
| BS&A municipalities | 17 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax lien
- Redemption period
- 1 year (1st/2nd sale)
- Sale frequency
- Annual
- Minimum bid
- Taxes + interest + costs
- Deed type
- Collector's Deed
- Bidder deposit
- Varies by county
- Redemption interest
- 10% per annum
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Lien |
| Redemption Period | The redemption period is one year for first and second offerings, 90 days after notice is mailed for third offerings, and zero for subsequent offerings. |
| Penalty / Interest | Delinquent taxes accrue 10% interest per annum, while subsequent taxes paid by the purchaser accrue 8% per annum. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 115 |
| Typical Sale Month | August |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Tax sales are held as in-person public auctions at the county courthouse. Bidders must often pre-register and submit non-delinquency affidavits. The minimum bid is the total of delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and costs. Payment is due in full on the day of the sale via cash or certified funds.
Post-sale obligations
The purchaser receives a Certificate of Purchase and must send statutory notices to interested parties via first-class and certified mail at least 90 days before applying for a Collector's Deed. There is no right to possession or maintenance until the deed is issued.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Missouri tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$4,500
Timeline9 mo.
Notable counties
Key Missouri counties for tax deed investors.
Jackson County
Known for high volume and specific, strict pre-registration requirements for its annual delinquent land tax sales.
St. Louis County
Frequently updated online resources for auction books and delinquent tax payment options.
How to bid at a Missouri tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Missouri tax deed sales.
- 1
Research
Review the list of delinquent properties published by the County Collector.
- 2
Due Diligence
Conduct research on liens, environmental issues, and occupancy status.
- 3
Pre-registration
Complete all required registration forms and non-delinquency affidavits by the county's deadline.
- 4
Attend Auction
Be present at the courthouse on the fourth Monday of August to submit bids.
- 5
Payment
Submit payment in full to the Collector on the day of the sale.
- 6
Recording
Ensure the Certificate of Purchase is recorded with the county recorder.
- 7
Notice
Serve notice to all interested parties at least 90 days before requesting a deed.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Missouri.
Governs the annual tax sale date and publication requirements.
Defines the redemption period and interest rates.
Details the mandatory notice requirements to interested parties.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Missouri tax deed investors.
Powell v. County of St. Louis
1977Established that gross inadequacy of price is generally not sufficient to set aside a tax sale if the statutory procedures were followed.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Missouri tax deed investors.
- The owner has an absolute right to redeem for one year after the sale.
- It is the most common method to obtain marketable title and title insurance.
- Improper notice to interested parties can lead to the sale being set aside.
- If notice was defective, the court may set aside the deed.
- They are in-person public auctions held at the county courthouse.
- No, there is no statutory right to enter or inspect the property before the sale.
How does Missouri's redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks should I know?
What happens if the owner challenges the sale?
How are auctions conducted?
Can I inspect properties before bidding?
Title Risk Flags
Failure to provide proper notice to all interested parties can render a tax deed voidable; the Collector's Deed does not guarantee marketable title; purchasers may be liable for environmental contamination or demolition liens.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.