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Minnesota tax sales: the season preview

Quick answerMinnesota sells tax deeds for unpaid property taxes. Redemption: Generally 3 years from the tax judgment sale (at which the county bids in the parcel for the State on the second Monday in May); 1 year for certain targeted-community and other specified properties, and 5 weeks for judicially abandoned / vacant properties (Minn. Stat. 281.17). Once the period expires the property forfeits absolutely to the State; there is no redemption after the public tax-forfeited land sale, though a former owner may apply to repurchase before that sale (Minn. Stat. 282.241). Sales: County public auctions of newly forfeited land are typically held within about six months after forfeiture and recur year-round by county; parcels are first offered at an initial price based on estimated market value, and unsold parcels are re-offered at a minimum-bid price based on the taxes, penalties, interest and costs. Governing law: Minnesota Statutes chs. 279-282, esp. 281.17 (redemption period), 282.01 and 282.005 (sale of tax-forfeited land).

What's actually for sale

Minnesota sells tax deeds. Title vests in the State in trust for the taxing districts and the county sells by state deed; mineral interests are severed and retained by the State. Following Tyler v. Hennepin County, former owners and interested parties may claim surplus proceeds from the initial public sale of tax-forfeited land.

The rate that decides your return

n/a - Minnesota sells no lien certificates to private investors; delinquent parcels are bid in for the State and later sold as tax-forfeited land. Interest and penalties on delinquent taxes accrue to the State/county, not to a buyer.

The clock you're investing against

Sale schedule: County public auctions of newly forfeited land are typically held within about six months after forfeiture and recur year-round by county; parcels are first offered at an initial price based on estimated market value, and unsold parcels are re-offered at a minimum-bid price based on the taxes, penalties, interest and costs.

Redemption: Generally 3 years from the tax judgment sale (at which the county bids in the parcel for the State on the second Monday in May); 1 year for certain targeted-community and other specified properties, and 5 weeks for judicially abandoned / vacant properties (Minn. Stat. 281.17). Once the period expires the property forfeits absolutely to the State; there is no redemption after the public tax-forfeited land sale, though a former owner may apply to repurchase before that sale (Minn. Stat. 282.241).

Where the sales happen

Public Surplus is used by many counties for online tax-forfeited land sales; other counties (e.g., Washington County) hold in-person auditor-treasurer auctions or sealed-bid sales. County-specific, no statewide platform.. Lists post on the county's schedule, change as owners redeem, and registration typically closes before sale day — the investors who see the list first set the market.

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Deep dives: Minnesota laws · Minnesota investing guide · Minnesota sale calendar. Law verified 2026-10-30.