- Does New York sell tax lien certificates to investors?
- Not under the statewide law. Under Article 11 the county keeps the delinquent tax lien and forecloses it itself, and investors buy the foreclosed property afterward. New York City sells liens only to a single authorized buyer, not the public. Nassau County is an exception with its own public tax lien auction under county law.
- How long is the redemption period for New York tax foreclosures?
- Two years after the lien date by default, or a later date named in the published foreclosure notice. A tax district can extend it by local law to three or four years for residential or farm property, and to four or five years for an owner ordered to active military duty for at least six contiguous months. A vacant and abandoned home on a municipal roll can instead have a one-year period under RPTL 1111-a.
- When does a New York county auction tax-foreclosed property?
- There is no statewide month. Each county auctions after its own in rem foreclosure judgment, usually once a year, and dates vary. Many upstate counties hold online auctions through a contractor such as Auctions International; check the county treasurer's auction page for the date and parcel list.
- Can a former owner redeem after I buy at a New York county tax auction?
- No. The foreclosure judgment bars every right of redemption before the county sells, and the county holds fee simple absolute title when it conveys to the buyer. The deed's presumption of regular proceedings becomes conclusive two years after it is recorded.
- What happens to surplus money from a New York tax foreclosure auction?
- Since 2024 the county must work out within 45 days whether the price exceeded the taxes, interest, penalties and charges, and pay any surplus into court. The former owner and lienholders claim it there. At a public auction the price paid is accepted as the property's full value.
- Can I buy tax liens at the New York City tax lien sale?
- No. The Department of Finance says the City only sells liens to a single authorized buyer, and not to the general public. The 2025 sale was held June 3, 2025. There is no City-run tax deed auction for individual investors.
- Is there a minimum bid at New York tax foreclosure auctions?
- No statute sets one. Each county's terms of sale fix any minimum and the deposit, registration and payment rules, so read them before bidding.
- Does the buyer pay transfer tax on a county tax-foreclosure deed in New York?
- It depends on whether the county's deed counts as a conveyance given in connection with a tax sale. Tax Law 1405(b)(5) exempts those conveyances from the state transfer tax of two dollars per 500 dollars of consideration, and Form TP-584 lists the same exemption. Where the exemption does not apply, the county is an exempt grantor, and Tax Law 1404 makes the grantee pay. Ask the county or read its terms of sale, and budget for the tax until the county confirms.
Ready to act on these rules? Follow how to buy New York tax deeds for the registration, bidding, and post-sale sequence in order.
Verified Sep 27, 2026 against New York statutes.
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 office that runs the sale before you bid.