Minnesota Tax Deed Sales 2026

How tax sales work in Minnesota

Minnesota does not sell liens or auction property while an owner still holds it. Delinquent taxes are reduced to a tax judgment each spring, and the owner then has a redemption period, usually three years, during which the taxes can be paid. When the period expires the parcel forfeits to the State of Minnesota in trust for the local taxing districts. The county auditor and board of commissioners then classify the land as conservation or non-conservation, decide whether to keep it for public use, obtain any required Department of Natural Resources review, and offer the rest for sale. Sales are public auctions with a minimum equal to the appraised value set by the county; parcels that do not sell may afterward be purchased over the counter at that price. The buyer receives a state deed issued by the Department of Revenue.

Redemption and interest

Redemption runs between the owner and the county until forfeiture. The standard period is three years from the tax judgment, and longer periods apply to some homestead, agricultural and seasonal recreational property; check the county notice for the exact date. Before the county sells, the former owner may apply to repurchase the parcel, and after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Tyler decision and the 2024 state legislation, former owners may also claim the surplus from a sale above the debt. Investors earn no interest, and there is no redemption after the county’s sale.

When and where sales happen

Counties hold auctions when they have accumulated inventory, often once a year and often in late summer or fall. Hennepin, Ramsey, St. Louis and the larger outstate counties publish lists with appraised values several weeks in advance, and some now run the auction online. Over-the-counter lists are available at any time from the auditor.

What to check before you bid

Read the terms and conditions, including any deed restrictions, easements and well disclosure requirements. Check whether the parcel is Torrens or abstract, and whether it was under a contract for deed. Look for special assessments, which counties may reinstate, and for wetland, shoreland or floodplain designations. Confirm access and whether the county retains mineral rights. Verify that the former owner’s repurchase window has closed.

How DeedScore helps here

DeedScore monitors county auditor tax-forfeited land lists across Minnesota, scores each parcel from 0 to 100, and flags recorded liens and title complications where data exists. The calendar tracks each county’s auction date and over-the-counter releases.