Deadline Alert: Redemption periods are strict – missing your deadline means losing your property permanently
Missouri Tax Sale Redemption – Get Your Property Back
Property sold at a tax sale? You may still have time to reclaim it. This guide explains redemption periods, costs, deadlines, and the step-by-step process for Missouri property owners.
How long do I have to redeem my property after a Missouri tax sale?
In Missouri, you typically have 1 year to redeem your property after a Collector's Sale (annual tax sale). For Land Tax Sales (properties delinquent 3+ years), the redemption period is shorter—often 90 days to 1 year depending on the county. To redeem, you must pay all back taxes, penalties, interest (typically 10% in the first year, then 8%), and the buyer's costs. Contact your county collector's office immediately to get the exact redemption amount and deadline.
Source: RSMo §140.405
Missouri Tax Sale Redemption Quick Facts
Source: Missouri Revised Statutes
Property & Title Info Desk Team
Licensed Missouri REALTORS®
Content reviewed: March 2026
About our team →Tax Sale vs. Mortgage Foreclosure – Know the Difference
These are completely different processes with different redemption rules:
Tax Sale (This Page)
- • Conducted by the COUNTY
- • For unpaid property taxes
- • Redemption period AFTER sale
- • 1 year (Collector's Sale) or 90 days-1 year (Land Tax Sale)
- • You may be able to get your property back
Mortgage Foreclosure
- • Conducted by your LENDER/BANK
- • For unpaid mortgage payments
- • Limited/NO redemption period after sale
- • Must act BEFORE the trustee sale
- • Go to foreclosure page →
Not sure if redemption is worth it? Get your free property options report →
Types of Missouri Tax Sales & Redemption Periods
Collector's Sale (First & Second Offering)
Annual tax lien sale – typically held in August
The county sells tax lien certificates to investors – NOT the property itself. You still own the property, but now owe the investor (plus 10% annual interest) instead of the county.
✓ Redemption Period: 1 Year
You have exactly 1 year from the sale date to redeem by paying the purchase price + 10% interest + any subsequent taxes paid by the purchaser. Pay at the County Collector's office.
⚠ If You Don't Redeem:
After 1 year, the purchaser can apply for a "Collector's Deed" which transfers full ownership to them. Once issued, you lose all rights permanently.
Land Tax Sale (Third Offering)
Judicial sale for properties delinquent 3+ years
For properties that didn't sell at previous Collector's Sales. This is a judicial (court) sale that transfers actual ownership of the property, not just a lien.
✓ Redemption Period: Varies (90 Days to 1 Year)
The redemption period after a Land Tax Sale varies by county and specific circumstances. Contact your County Collector or check the court order for your specific deadline.
$ Surplus Funds May Be Available
If the property sold for more than taxes/costs owed, you may be entitled to the surplus. You must file a claim with the court (typically within 2 years).
How to Redeem Your Property – Step by Step
Follow this process to reclaim your property before the deadline:
Determine Your Deadline
Contact your County Collector's office to get the exact date of the tax sale and calculate your redemption deadline. For Collector's Sales, it's exactly 1 year from the sale date. Don't guess – get the specific date in writing.
Important: The deadline is absolute. There are no extensions, grace periods, or exceptions.
Get the Redemption Amount
Request a "redemption quote" from the County Collector. This will include the original purchase price, 10% annual interest, any subsequent taxes paid by the purchaser with their interest, recording fees, and other costs.
Important: The amount increases over time, so the quote is only valid for a short period.
Gather Your Funds
You must pay the FULL redemption amount – partial payments won't stop the process. If you can't pay the full amount, consider selling the property, borrowing from family, or exploring other options.
Important: Most counties accept check, money order, or cash. Confirm accepted payment methods.
Pay at the Collector's Office
Bring payment to the County Collector's office BEFORE your deadline. You'll need photo ID and possibly proof of ownership. The Collector will process your payment and refund the tax sale purchaser.
Important: Go in person if possible. Mail takes time and you need proof of timely payment.
Get Written Confirmation
Obtain a receipt and written confirmation that your property has been redeemed. This is your proof of redemption and protects you from future claims by the purchaser.
Important: Keep this document forever with your property records.
Address the Underlying Problem
Remember – you still need to keep up with future property taxes to avoid this happening again. Consider setting up automatic payments or escrow through your mortgage servicer.
Important: If you can't afford the taxes, explore tax relief programs or consider selling.
Redemption process too complicated? Get your free property options report →
Understanding Redemption Costs
Redemption costs more than the original taxes. Here's what you'll owe:
Example: If your property sold at tax sale for $3,000 and 6 months have passed, you might owe approximately $3,000 + $150 interest + subsequent taxes + fees = $3,500-$4,000+. Contact your County Collector for an exact quote.
Costs adding up too fast?
If redemption costs are mounting and the property isn't worth it, selling might be a better path forward.
See your selling optionsSurplus Funds – Money You May Be Owed
If your property was sold at a Land Tax Sale (NOT a Collector's Sale) for more than the taxes, penalties, interest, and costs owed, you may be entitled to the surplus (excess) proceeds.
Example: If you owed $8,000 in back taxes/costs and your property sold at Land Tax Sale for $55,000, you may be entitled to claim the $47,000 surplus.
- Surplus funds apply ONLY to Land Tax Sales, not Collector's Sales
- You must file a claim with the court – funds won't come automatically
- Typical deadline is within 2 years of the sale
- Be wary of third parties offering to "find" surplus for 30-50% fees
County Collector Contact Information
Contact your County Collector to get your exact redemption deadline and amount:
Jefferson County
Collector of Revenue
729 Maple St, Hillsboro, MO 63050
(636) 797-5466
Jefferson County Tax Sale Guide →St. Louis County
Collector of Revenue
41 S. Central Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5500
St. Louis County Tax Sale Guide →City of St. Louis
Collector of Revenue
1200 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 622-4105
City of St. Louis Tax Sale Guide →St. Charles County
Collector of Revenue
201 N. Second St, St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 949-7470
St. Charles County Tax Sale Guide →Missouri Tax Sale Redemption FAQs
What is the redemption period for Missouri tax sales?
Missouri provides redemption periods AFTER tax sales. For Collector's Sales (tax lien sales), you have 1 year from the sale date to redeem. For Land Tax Sales (third offering/judicial sales), the period varies by county but is typically 90 days to 1 year. The clock starts from the date of the tax sale, not when you receive notice.
How much does it cost to redeem property after a Missouri tax sale?
To redeem after a Collector's Sale, you must pay: (1) The tax sale purchase price, (2) Interest at 10% per year, (3) Any subsequent taxes the purchaser paid plus their interest, (4) Recording fees, (5) Other statutory costs. The total can be 50-100% more than the original taxes owed. After a Land Tax Sale, costs vary but follow similar principles.
What happens if I miss the redemption deadline?
For Collector's Sales: After 1 year, the tax sale purchaser can apply for a "Collector's Deed," which transfers ownership to them. Once issued, you lose all rights to the property permanently. For Land Tax Sales: After the redemption period expires, the court confirms the sale and you lose all rights. There are NO extensions – the deadline is absolute.
Where do I pay to redeem my property?
You must pay the County Collector's office, NOT the tax sale purchaser directly. The Collector calculates the total redemption amount, accepts your payment, and then refunds the purchaser. Get a receipt and written confirmation of redemption from the Collector's office.
Is a tax sale the same as a mortgage foreclosure?
No – they are completely different processes. Tax sales are conducted by the COUNTY for unpaid PROPERTY TAXES and have redemption periods AFTER the sale. Mortgage foreclosures are conducted by your LENDER for unpaid MORTGAGE PAYMENTS and in Missouri have limited/no redemption after sale. Make sure you know which situation you're facing.
Can I get surplus funds from a Missouri tax sale?
Possibly, but ONLY from Land Tax Sales (not Collector's Sales). If your property sold at Land Tax Sale for more than the taxes, penalties, interest, and costs owed, you may be entitled to the surplus. You must file a claim with the court, typically within 2 years of the sale. The county won't automatically send you the money.
What is a Collector's Deed?
A Collector's Deed is the document that transfers ownership from you to the tax sale purchaser after the 1-year redemption period expires on a Collector's Sale. The purchaser applies to the County Collector, and if you haven't redeemed, the deed is issued. Once recorded, you no longer own the property.
Can I make a payment plan during the redemption period?
Generally, no. Unlike before a tax sale (when some counties offer payment plans), once property is sold at tax sale, you must redeem by paying the FULL amount by the deadline. Partial payments typically won't stop the process. However, you can contact your County Collector to ask about specific options.
What if I didn't receive notice of the tax sale?
Missouri law requires notice to property owners before tax sales. If you can prove you never received proper notice, you may be able to challenge the sale through the courts. However, this is complex and time-sensitive – consult an attorney immediately. Lack of notice doesn't automatically invalidate the sale.
Can someone else redeem on my behalf?
Yes. Missouri law allows "any person" to redeem on behalf of the property owner – a family member, friend, or investor. They pay the redemption amount and the property remains in your name (unless you've made a separate arrangement with them). This can be helpful if you can't get to the Collector's office yourself.
What documents do I need to redeem?
Typically you need: (1) Photo ID, (2) Proof you're the owner or authorized to act on owner's behalf, (3) Payment for the full redemption amount (check, money order, or cash – policies vary by county). Contact your County Collector's office in advance to confirm what they require.
Can the tax sale purchaser contact me or come to my property?
The purchaser owns a tax lien (Collector's Sale) or the property subject to redemption (Land Tax Sale), so they have certain rights. However, they cannot harass you or try to pressure you into selling. If you feel threatened, contact local authorities. You have the legal right to redeem until the deadline passes.
Already Decided to Sell?
If you're dealing with tax sale redemption and have already decided that selling is your best path forward, we can help you understand your options – including timeline, equity, and what to expect. No pressure, just clarity.
Not Sure Where You Stand?
Get a free assessment that explains your specific situation, redemption deadline, costs, and options – in plain English.
Sources & Legal References
RSMo Chapter 140 – Tax Sales
Missouri Revised Statutes governing collector's sales and redemption periods
RSMo §140.405 – Redemption Periods
Specific statute on 1-year and 2-year redemption periods
RSMo §140.340 – Notice Requirements
Notice requirements before tax sale
RSMo §140.190 – Surplus Funds
Rights to excess proceeds after tax sale
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Missouri law may change. Always verify current statutes and consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
What to Gather Before You Call
Having these items ready helps us give you accurate guidance faster:
- Property address (full street address)
- Any letter or notice you received (photo is fine)
- Deed or trust documents if you have them
- Key dates/deadlines you know about
- Who else is involved (heirs, spouse, co-owners)
Don’t have everything? That’s okay – start with what you have.
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