Indiana tax sales explained

Updated 2026-10-19 · 4 min read

Short answer

Indiana counties sell tax sale certificates on properties with delinquent taxes. The minimum bid covers the taxes, penalties and costs; the owner can redeem — typically within one year — and if they don't, the buyer must give statutory notices and petition the court for a tax deed.

How it works

The county lists properties with unpaid taxes (many are paid off before sale day).
Bidders buy a tax sale certificate, often online.
During the redemption period the owner can pay the taxes plus a penalty, which goes to the certificate holder.
If not redeemed, the holder sends required notices and petitions the court for a tax deed.

Tips

Many listings disappear before the sale because owners pay — EquityDrop shows these as cancelled/paid.
Missing a notice step can void the deed; many investors use an attorney.
Commissioner's certificate sales (properties that didn't sell earlier) can have shorter redemption periods.

Questions people ask

Do I need an attorney for an Indiana tax deed?

It's strongly recommended — the notice and petition steps are strict.

Where do the Indiana listings come from?

From the public sale listings published for each county's tax and sheriff sales, refreshed daily.

See real auctions near you

Every upcoming sheriff and tax sale on one map — free to browse.

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Keep reading

Sheriff sale vs tax sale: what's the difference?

At a mortgage-foreclosure sheriff sale you bid on the property itself after a lender's court judgment. At many county tax sales you buy a tax certificate or lien for the unpaid taxes — the owner can still redeem, and you only get the property after a redemption period and further legal steps.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary by county — confirm with the sheriff's office or an attorney.