Tax Sale

Any unpaid taxes are offered at Public Tax Sale which is held online annually on the third Monday in June online at www.iowataxauction.com.

In order to be eligible to bid at the Marion County Tax Sale, all tax sale bidders must complete the following steps:

• Register online at www.iowataxauction.com.  No mailed or emailed registrations will be accepted. Registration will begin Monday, May 18, 2026 and end Thursday, June 11, 2026. All steps in the registration process must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on June 11, 2026.
• Pay a non-refundable $40.00 registration fee via ACH debit.
• Complete the online W-9 form.
• Assistance with registration and the auction site is available at (800)800-9588 or support@iowataxauction.com

Register to participate in the Tax Sale Auction here: Iowa Tax Auction website.

2026 Tax Sale Terms & Conditions

2026 Tax Sale Publication List

Notice:

We publish all qualifying, outstanding unpaid parcels in the county’s official publication one time during the last week in May each year.  You may also view the most recently published list of Marion County parcels once it becomes available here on this page.

Any payment updates can be viewed on our payment website www.iowatreasurers.org by accessing that parcel directly. 

You may also view an updated listing at www.iowataxauction.com by registering to bid.  This listing is updated nightly. 

What happens when an investor pays taxes at a tax sale? 

Upon purchase at a tax sale, the winning bidder pays the outstanding taxes only.  This purchase does not satisfy other liens or transfer ownership of the property to the tax sale investor.  The taxes must remain unpaid for one (1) year and nine (9) months before an investor can initiate proceedings to acquire the deed. 

In the meantime, two percent (2%) interest per month for up to three (3) years accrues on the outstanding tax sale amount.  Additionally, the investor may pay subsequent property taxes once that amount becomes delinquent 45 days from the due date.  These subsequent tax payments are added to the total amount due for redemption and also accrue the 2% per month interest. 

How can I pay to redeem a tax sale?

All payments are submitted to the treasurer.  Payments must be received by the end of the month to prevent further interest from accruing.  Important note:  A payment postmarked prior to the end of the month but received after the first of the next month must include the additional 2% interest. 

By law, the tax sale can only be redeemed by the owner of record or a party with a vested interest.  If you are submitting payment for a tax sale, but you are not the owner listed on the deed, please submit the following signed form along with payment: Application and Affidavit for Redemption of Real Estate Sold for Taxes

When can an investor take deed to the property?    

If a tax sale has not been redeemed within one (1) year and nine (9) months, the investor may file a 90-day affidavit with the Treasurer’s office to acquire a tax sale deed. If the tax sale is not redeemed within that 90-day time frame, the investor may pay the required fees to obtain a Tax Sale Deed on the property.  The original owner has now forfeited their interest in that property.   

If the investor does not obtain a tax sale deed within three (3) years, the sale is canceled, and the tax sale investor forfeits any interest in the property.

What if taxes aren’t purchased at tax sale?

Delinquent tax and/or special assessments advertised twice and remaining unsold for want of bidders, must be offered at Public Bidder Sale. Marion County is required by Iowa law to purchase the delinquencies if there is no private-sector bidder.  Once a Certificate of Purchase at Tax Sale has been issued to the County, the Treasurer has the authority to bring an ordinary suit at law for the collection of taxes.

The above is provided for reference only. Please consult Iowa Code or professional legal counsel for information specific to your circumstances.