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1. Why is Montgomery County selling tax liens?

Montgomery County property owners have a duty and obligation to pay Real Estate Taxes. Real Estate Taxes are an important funding source for local schools and governments. Property owners who do not pay their taxes pass this responsibility to those who do pay their taxes. The Tax Lien Sale provides immediate funding of past due tax dollars to the agencies that rely on property tax funds.

2. What is a tax lien?

Liens consist of past-due taxes plus fees, penalties, and interest that are sold to qualified financial lenders. Liens are sold in large bundles and cannot be bought individually. Property owners cannot buy liens associated with their properties.

3. How much do I owe?

View the Treasurer page to find out how much you owe. Then enter the property address. If you receive an error or do not see a balance, contact our office at 937-225-4010 option 2.

4. Can I pay the debt before a lien is sold on my property?

Yes. Before a lien on your past due taxes is sold, you have two options. You can pay your past due taxes or you may be eligible to enter into a payment arrangement to pay your past due taxes.

5. What is a payment plan?

Payment plans are monthly arrangements you make to pay off delinquent debt. You agree to pay a balance each month for the duration of your plan. Payment plans combine past-due taxes with future property taxes throughout the duration of the plan.

6. What do I need to bring to make a payment plan?

To start a delinquent payment plan, a downpayment is REQUIRED. A downpayment on a basic payment plan requires 20% of the total amount due to include total delinquency and full year current taxes. However this is subject to change in the month the current taxes are due. 

7. If a lien is sold on my property, am I going to lose my property?

After the sale, there will be additional fees and interest charged against your property by the lien holder. If full payment is not made within twelve months of the date your lien is sold, the lien holder can foreclose on your property which could lead to the loss of your property.

8. Who bought my tax lien?

Tax liens are sold in large bundles to qualified financial institutions. When a tax lien is sold, the property owner receives a notice with the lien purchaser's name stated on it by certified mail. You may also contact the Montgomery County Treasurer's Office at 937-225-4010, Option 2, to obtain this information.

9. How do I make payments on my tax lien after it is sold?

If a tax lien has been sold, you will need to make arrangements with the lien holder to make payments. You can contact our office to determine which lien company bought the purchased the lien.

10. What happens if I do not pay the lien holder?

If the property owner does not pay the Montgomery County Treasurer's Office the remaining debt owed on the tax lien, then the lien purchaser has the option to begin foreclosure. Foreclosure can result in the loss of your property.

11. Do I need to make payments on both my tax lien and my future property taxes?

Yes. Property owners must pay both the tax lien and current property taxes during regular payment periods (February and July). If current taxes are not paid during regular payment periods, a second lien can be sold on the additional unpaid real estate taxes. Additional fees and penalties will be charged for a second lien.

12. How do I pay my current taxes if a lien was sold?

Current taxes for all tax lien sold parcels are required to be paid by cash, cashier's check, or money order until all of the tax lien certificates are released. To see if your lien has been released:

1. View the Real Estate Tax Information System Online Record Search and enter your property information.
2. Look under the "Master Information" section of your property.

If the lien holder is still listed, your lien has not been released regardless of if you have paid the lien holder.