Tax Sale Information

Tax Buyer Registration Deadline - October 18, 2024 at 4:30 pm.

To Participate in the annual delinquent tax sale as a tax investor: 

Refer to Illinois State Statutes, Chapter 35.
Register in writing at least ten (10) working days prior to tax sale with the Treasurer.
Submit registration fee of $500.
Delinquent tax listings are published in local newspapers throughout the county.
A delinquent tax list will be available a few weeks before the sale. 

Contact the Treasurer's Office regarding availability date and costs.  
Annual automated tax sales are conducted at the end of each tax cycle (typically in November).
The tax sale this year will be held November 4, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.   
A few days after the sale, certificates are issued and payments are due.
Subsequent taxes may be paid in the Collector's Office two weeks after the second installment due date. 
For additional information, contact the Treasurer's Office at (618) 825-2707.

Tax Sale Registration Packet

Tax Sale Archives

Questions & Answers

What is the date and time of the tax sale?

Tax Sales are usually held one morning in November. 
This date will fluctuate from year to year.
Please see posted schedule on the Treasurer's website for the current year's sale date.


How often do you hold tax sales?

The tax sale is conducted one time per year.


What are the payment requirements at the sale? Is there a deposit required before the sale?

A few days after the sale, certificates are issued and complete payment is due.
Accepted forms of payment include business check, cashier's check, or cash.
A $500 registration fee is required.


What is the bidding process?

The bids start at 9% and decrease. The lowest bid is accepted.


What type of document is issued at the tax sale?

Tax sale certificates are issued at the time of payment.


Are there any other expenses in addition to the cost at the tax sale?

There may be fees imposed by the County Clerk, please contact them for more information.


What is the foreclosure process? Will the county handle the foreclosure process for a fee?

It takes three years to petition the court for a tax deed and YOU will have to handle this process.


What happens to the liens that are not sold at the tax sale? May they be purchased from the county? May I get a list of these liens?

All unpaid taxes are sold at the annual tax sale.
Taxes not purchased by investors are assigned to the St. Clair County Trustee, Joseph Meyer. You may contact Mr. Meyer's office for assignment purchases, 1-800-248-2850.


Do you allow investors to invest in tax lien certificates without attending the sale via mail, telephone, FAX or internet?

No.


May I send a representative to the sale to bid for me?

Yes, all representatives must be listed on your registration.


I would like to obtain a list of tax liens certificates available. Is there a charge?

A listing is available a few weeks prior to the tax sale.
PDF file costs $400, free updates available.


Does your county hold a deed sale in addition to a tax sale?

The St. Clair County Trustee holds a public auction each quarter. For the next auction date, click here. The intent of the public auction is to return delinquent property to the tax rolls.