Massachusetts (MA) Tax Deed Sales

Mass

Sale Type: Hybrid Tax Deed
Bid Method: Premium bid
Sale Date(s): Year Round
State Statute(s): Chapter 60
Over-the-Counter: No
State Website: http://www.mass.gov/

    Massachusetts State Overview

    In Massachusetts, the tax collectors sell hybrid tax deeds to the winning bidders at the public tax sale. Property owners have six (6) months to exercise his or her right to redeeem. Property owners redeem by paying the purchase price plus a 16% penalty.

    • Tax Sale Type: Hybrid Tax Deed. (Chap. 60 Sec. 45).
    • Contact: Tax Collector. (Chap. 60 Sec. 43).
    • Interest Rate and/or Penalty Rate: 16% penalty. (Chap. 60 Sec. 62).
    • Bid Procedure: Premium bid / highest bid. (Chap. 60 Sec. 43 .).
    • Redemption Period: Six (6) months. (Chap. 60 Sec. 65).
    • Law: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 60, "Collection of Local Taxes."
    • Massachusetts tax sales are often held at the town level. Here is a list of Massachusetts Commonwealth Communities.
    • "Taking" - Taking is a process carried out only in Massachusetts. This is when the Municipality takes action against a tax delinquent property owner, and attempts to gain ownership of the property through the land court process. The Municipality must prove to the county in the land court that the tax payer is delinquent and the court will grant the property to the Municiplality, after which they may choose to sell it, or absorb it into the City, and so forth. The land court process takes as long as 18-24 months.