Tax Foreclosure
Foreclosure Process
When real property taxes become three or more years delinquent, the County Treasurer begins foreclosure action.
In the fall of each year a Certificate of Delinquency is filed with Superior Court. After the filing of this document all the delinquent taxes must be paid to redeem the property from foreclosure. Whitman County does not sell tax certificates or tax deeds.
Notice & Summons
Interest, penalties, and foreclosure costs are charged against the property as well as the delinquent tax amount. Title reports are ordered for each parcel and add to the costs.
As required by law, all parties with a recorded legal interest are served with a Notice and Summons by certified mail and given 30 days to respond. In addition, the Notice and Summons is published in the Whitman County Gazette, the newspaper with general circulation in this county.
Delinquency
The Treasurer receives a judgment from the court authorizing foreclosure of the tax liens and ordering the sale of those parcels. Only owners or parties with a recorded legal interest on the date the Certificate of Delinquency is filed may redeem the property from foreclosure.
All the delinquent tax, penalty, interest and costs must be paid by 4 pm the day before the sale or the property will be sold.
Claiming Surplus Money
If a parcel is sold at auction for more than the amount owing, the owner of record at the time the Certificate of Delinquency was filed can claim the surplus money up to three years after the actual sale.
Beware of Potential Scams
Be aware that if your property is sold in foreclosure you do not need to pay anyone a commission to obtain the excess proceeds from the sale of your property. Homeowners should be on guard for scams targeting those with unpaid mortgage loans or delinquent property taxes. Don’t become a victim of a foreclosure rescue scam.