Blog / State spotlights

Vermont tax sales: the season preview

What's actually for sale

Vermont sells redeemable tax deeds. Vermont is extremely fragmented — 251 towns/cities run their own sales, bidding is on price (highest bid), not on interest, and the deed is withheld during the 1-year redemption period. Excess of the purchase price over taxes, interest and costs is held for the former owner.

The rate that decides your return

12% per year (1% per month or fraction thereof) on the sum for which the land was sold, from the day of sale to redemption (32 V.S.A. § 5260)

The clock you're investing against

Sale schedule: Set by each town/city collector as needed, year-round — there is no county or statewide sale date; a sale may be held only after the tax is delinquent for more than 1 year and at least $1,500 is owed (§ 5252)

Redemption: 1 year from the day of sale (32 V.S.A. § 5260); if not redeemed, the collector executes a tax collector's deed to the purchaser (§ 5261)

Where the sales happen

mostly in-person — public auction in the town where the land lies, noticed in a local newspaper and posted in a public place, municipality-specific, no statewide online 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.

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