: If no one buys the lien at auction, it is "struck" to the state. You can buy these "Over the Counter" (OTC) by requesting a price quote from the Alabama Department of Revenue . 📅 The 3-Year Redemption Period Buying a tax lien does not give you immediate ownership.
: In some cases, a tax sale purchaser can demand possession after 6 months, but this often leads to legal "ejectment" battles. 🏠 Getting the Deed
: If they redeem, you get your investment back plus the accrued interest.
: The owner has 3 years from the sale date to "redeem" the property by paying the back taxes plus interest (usually 12%).
Ownership only transfers after the redemption period expires: Tax Delinquent Property and Land Sales
: Most counties (like Baldwin and Mobile ) now auction tax liens . You bid on the interest rate (starting at 12% and bidding down). The lowest interest rate wins.
In Alabama , buying tax delinquent property is a multi-step process that shifts from acquiring a to eventually obtaining a tax deed . ⚖️ The Two Main Paths
Alabama uses two primary methods for selling delinquent taxes, depending on the county and how long the taxes have been unpaid:
