That isn't how it works in tax lien states. The amount of money owed is irrelevant in the eyes of the county, only that you did not pay money owed in the time a

That isn't how it works in tax lien states. The amount of money owed is irrelevant in the eyes of the county, only that you did not pay money owed in the time allotted. And as I said, they are quite clear (at least in my state) about the amount owed. A property with a tax lien does not go to auction. The property tax lien holder is more senior to all other liens, except a federal tax lien. This includes being senior to mortgages, which is why mortgage companies typically keep your property taxes in escrow (to ensure they are paid). Once a tax deed is issued, no compensation is paid to the previous owner. The title is not marketable for a period of 7 years. That is, a title company will not issue a warranted deed on a tax deed transfer. To resolve this, the deed holder needs to wait or bring a quiet title suit. The previous owner may get compensated in a quiet title action to sign a quit claim deed or similar to rectify the quiet title suit.