FAQs • Washington County, MN • CivicEngage

Can Washington County employees bid on parcels at the auction?: Minnesota Statutes, section 282.016, paragraph (a) states that a county auditor, county treasurer, county administrator of the district court, county assessor, supervisor of assessments, or deputy or clerk or an employee of such officer, a commissioner for tax-forfeited lands or an assistant to such commissioner, must not become a purchaser, either personally or as agent or attorney for another person, of the properties offered for sale under the provisions of this chapter in the county for which the person performs duties. A person prohibited from purchasing property under this section must not directly or indirectly have another person purchase it on behalf of the prohibited purchaser for the prohibited purchaser's benefit or gain.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), such officer, deputy, clerk, or employee or commissioner for tax-forfeited lands or assistant to such commissioner may (1) purchase lands owned by that official at the time the state became the absolute owner thereof or (2) bid upon and purchase forfeited property offered for sale under the alternate sale procedure described in section 282.01, subd. 7a.

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Property Records & Taxpayer Services - Tax Forfeited Land

1. When and where is the next public auction?: Information regarding upcoming auction dates is available on our website, by phone, or in our office. Washington County Tax Forfeited property auctions are held at the Government Center located at 14949 62nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082. Select the at the top of this page and enter your email address to be notified of future auctions.

2. What time does the auction begin?: Check the Sale Terms and Auction time.

3. How do I obtain a bidding card?: A valid picture identification (i.e., driver’s license, passport, etc.) will be required to obtain a bidding card.

4. What properties are for sale at the auction?: Check the Sale Terms and Auction time.

5. How do I receive information on the properties?: You may subscribe to our free email notification service to have auction information automatically emailed to you by signing up on our home page.
You will be notified at least 3 weeks prior to the auction.

6. How do I pay for a parcel at auction?: A successful bidder may write a personal check at the time of sale. Any changes regarding terms of payment for a property are outlined in the published "Terms of Sale" for each auction.

7. When would I get my first real estate tax statement?: If property is purchased in the current year, the taxes will become due and payable the following year, and each year thereafter (For example; If property is purchased in 2012, taxes will be due and payable in 2013).

8. How do I receive title to the property?: After full payment of the purchase price and extra costs are paid in full a State Deed will be issued by the Minnesota Dept. of Revenue and recorded in the Washington County Recorder’s Office. You may wish to consult with an attorney in order to clear title.

9. Is there a redemption period allowed for prior owners?: A prior owner can apply to repurchase a property up to one year or until the property has been sold, depending on its classification.

11. Can Washington County employees bid on parcels at the auction?: Minnesota Statutes, section 282.016, paragraph (a) states that a county auditor, county treasurer, county administrator of the district court, county assessor, supervisor of assessments, or deputy or clerk or an employee of such officer, a commissioner for tax-forfeited lands or an assistant to such commissioner, must not become a purchaser, either personally or as agent or attorney for another person, of the properties offered for sale under the provisions of this chapter in the county for which the person performs duties. A person prohibited from purchasing property under this section must not directly or indirectly have another person purchase it on behalf of the prohibited purchaser for the prohibited purchaser's benefit or gain.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), such officer, deputy, clerk, or employee or commissioner for tax-forfeited lands or assistant to such commissioner may (1) purchase lands owned by that official at the time the state became the absolute owner thereof or (2) bid upon and purchase forfeited property offered for sale under the alternate sale procedure described in section 282.01, subd. 7a.

12. What happens to parcels not sold at the public auction?: All properties not sold at auction will be available for purchase the next day in the Taxpayer Services Division on a first come, first serve basis. All parcels will be sold at their established appraised value.

13. Does the County sell Tax Lien Certificates?: No, Minnesota Tax Lien Judgment Certificates are no longer sold. The "certificate of sale" process was abolished by the Minnesota Legislature in 1974.