Tax-forfeited land

The state owns the land. Taxes aren’t collected.

The county manages the land for the state.

Tax-forfeited property is either repurchased, sold or managed for public benefit.  

The difference between tax-forfeited land and mortgage foreclosure

These are 2 different processes. It’s possible that they can happen at the same time.

Mortgage foreclosure happens when a property owner does not make their mortgage payments to their lender. It is a process between the owner and their lender.

Tax-forfeiture happens when an owner can’t pay their property taxes. It is a process between the owner and the county.

All taxes and special assessments prior to the forfeiture date are canceled.

The State of Minnesota becomes the owner of the property.

We will visit the property to inspect it and may take steps to take immediate possession of it.

If you live at the property

You may not use or occupy the property without our permission.

If you occupy the property without permission, we may file an eviction action against you.

If you rent the property, the person you were leasing it from can no longer rent it out.

If you had an ownership interest

Owners or others with title rights can apply to repurchase a property after it has forfeited.

Private parties not listed on the title can't purchase property through the repurchase process.

Repurchase is possible until the date the property is first offered for sale.

All taxes, assessments, and costs assigned to the property must be paid to repurchase it.

Apply for repurchase

1. Begin application:

• Call our office to speak with a property manager.
• Arrange an appointment or to have items mailed to you.

2. Complete application at an appointment or by mail. You need to:

• Pay in full by cashier's check, money order or certified check, the amount calculated by the property manager that includes a non-refundable application fee.
• Provide proof of ownership or assigned interest in the property.
• Complete an application and sign the prepared documents. 

Property not repurchased

Forfeited property not repurchased is put up for sale.

Forfeited property that is not repurchased is put up for sale.

A property may go through multiple sale attempts before it's purchased.

It may take more than 6 months from the date of forfeiture for it to sell.

Types of sales

We hold 2 different kinds of sales.

Estimated market value sale

This sale is held approximately 4 ½ months after forfeiture and lasts 30 days.

The price is the estimated market value of the property.

Minimum bid price sale

This sale is held If the property didn't sell at the estimated market value sale.

The minimum bid price is the sum of delinquent taxes, special assessments, penalties, interests, and costs assigned to the property.

Methods of sale

We use these sales methods to sell tax-forfeited property:

• Traditional real estate
• Online auction
• Over the counter

Sales listings

Properties for sale are listed on our tax-forfeited land inventory site. 

This process is to classify or reclassify state-owned tax-forfeited lands not sold.

The process determines whether the land will remain in public ownership and be managed for public benefit, or if another attempt to sell it should be made.

It takes place at a classification meeting. Notice of the meeting will include a list of properties.

At the meeting written and in person comments will be reviewed. After that, the properties may be classified or reclassified.

We've kept some land and manage it for public benefit as community gardens.

Take part in the classification process

Attend the classification meeting or submit written comments.

Any person, governmental entity or representative, or an agency with pertinent information on a property may:

• Make or submit comments and recommendations about the pending classification or reclassification.
• Describe plans, ideas, or projects that may involve use or acquisition of the lands.
• Provide information about relevant land use plans for the area where the property is located.

Current classification notices

There are no current classification notices at this time.

You may be entitled to the excess proceeds if a property sold for more than the total costs owed.

$50 mineral rights proceeds are available for properties that have not previously forfeited.

We’ll mail the former owner and those with title rights to the property a claim form to submit.

The claim form must be filled out and approved by us before proceeds can be distributed.

If multiple claim forms are received for the same property, a civil court case may determine how the proceeds are distributed.

Post-classification sales aren't eligible for excess funds claims.

Notices of excess funds

List of surplus funds notices (PDF, 1MB)

Title rights to a forfeited property

If you think you may have title rights to a forfeited property, email tflinfo@hennepin.us.

Include the forfeited property's address and your contact information in your message.