After two years have elapsed since April 1 of the year the tax certificate was issued, and before the certificate expires seven years from the date it was issued, you may submit a tax deed application to the tax collector of the county where the real estate is located. You'll need to pay a search fee of $150.00, a tax collector fee of $75.00, clerk of court fee of $600.00, and all amounts required to redeem or purchase all other outstanding tax certificates, interest, omitted taxes, and current and delinquent taxes.
The tax collector's office will send the tax deed application to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the clerk's office will set the sale date. The opening bid must include:
- All clerk of court fees
- The amount paid to the tax collector's office by the certificate holder to apply for the tax deed
- The amount required to redeem the tax certificate held by the tax deed applicant
- One-half of the assessed value of the property (if the property is assessed on the latest tax roll as homestead property)
The tax deed will be issued to the highest bidder.
The property owner or the owner's agent has the right to redeem the property prior to the issuance of a tax deed by the clerk of the circuit court by paying the tax collector for all outstanding certificates, omitted taxes, delinquent taxes, current taxes, interest, and all costs and fees of the sale.