The governing law
Illinois is a tax-lien state. Each year the county collector applies to the circuit court for a judgment and order of sale, then holds an annual tax sale where investors buy the delinquent tax lien and receive a tax certificate. Bidders compete by offering the lowest penalty percentage, and no bid above 9 percent is accepted. That penalty is charged per six-month redemption period rather than as an annual interest rate, so the effective annual cost to the owner can reach 18 percent. If the owner does not redeem within the statutory period, the certificate holder petitions the circuit court, and under Public Act 104-0553 the court orders a judicial tax deed auction at which the property itself is sold and any surplus above the tax debt goes back to the former owner. The process is governed by Articles 21 and 22 of the Property Tax Code, 35 ILCS 200.
35 ILCS 200, Articles 21 and 22
Read the statuteProperty Tax Code: delinquencies, annual tax sale, redemption, and tax deeds
35 ILCS 200/21-15
Read the statuteGeneral tax due dates; default by mortgage lender
35 ILCS 200/21-75
Read the statuteLien for taxes
35 ILCS 200/21-90
Read the statutePurchase and sale by county; distribution of proceeds
35 ILCS 200/21-215
Read the statutePenalty bids
35 ILCS 200/21-250
Read the statuteCertificate of purchase
35 ILCS 200/21-260
Read the statuteCollector's scavenger sale
35 ILCS 200/21-350
Read the statutePeriod of redemption
35 ILCS 200/21-355
Read the statuteAmount of redemption
35 ILCS 200/21-385
Read the statuteExtension of period of redemption
35 ILCS 200/22-30
Read the statutePetition for deed
35 ILCS 200/22-40
Read the statuteIssuance of order authorizing judicial tax deed auction, confirmation and order for tax deed; possession
35 ILCS 200/22-42
Read the statuteJudicial tax deed auction and procedures
35 ILCS 200/22-85
Read the statuteFailure to timely take out and record deed; deed is void
Want the mechanics in plain English instead of statute numbers? See how to buy in Illinois, the redemption period, and the full Illinois walkthrough.
Statute citations verified Jul 29, 2026. Statutes are amended; always confirm the current text at the official link before you rely on it.
Tax Sale Atlas publishes educational information about public tax sale processes. This is not legal, financial, or investment advice. Rules, dates, and fees change; confirm with the county office before you bid.