The governing law
Tennessee sells redeemable tax deeds through the courts. There is no tax lien certificate auction: when property taxes go unpaid, the county's delinquent tax attorney files a collection suit in chancery court (or circuit court in some counties), and the court orders the parcel sold at auction for the total taxes, interest, penalties, and costs. The winning bidder pays a premium above that floor if there is competition. The order confirming the sale acts as the deed, but for up to one year after its entry any interested person can redeem by repaying the purchase price plus 12 percent per annum interest. Parts 25 through 27 of Title 67, Chapter 5 govern the sale, the purchaser's rights, and the redemption.
Tenn. Code Ann. Title 67, Chapter 5, Parts 25-27
Read the statuteTax lien enforcement, sale of property, and redemption
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2010
Read the statuteInterest on delinquent taxes
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2101
Read the statuteTaxes on which lien based
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2405
Read the statuteFiling and prosecution of suits
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2410
Read the statutePenalties, fees and costs; duties of clerk
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2501
Read the statuteSale of land generally
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2502
Read the statuteNotice of sale of land
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2504
Read the statuteAttacks on sale of land; rights of purchaser
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2507
Read the statuteSale of land; county as purchaser; deferred sale
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2515
Read the statuteReference to tax deed deemed reference to an order of confirmation of sale
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2701
Read the statuteProcedure for redemption of property
Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-2702
Read the statuteMotion setting forth claim to excess sale proceeds
Want the mechanics in plain English instead of statute numbers? See how to buy in Tennessee, the redemption period, and the full Tennessee walkthrough.
Statute citations verified Aug 18, 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.