Tax sales are used to collect delinquent property taxes. If property taxes are not paid in full by December 31 of the tax year, the city or parish may sell “tax sale title” to the property for the amount of taxes owed plus interest and costs.
The property owner has three years to “redeem” the tax sale (18 months for blighted/abandoned properties) by paying the tax sale price, later taxes paid by the tax sale purchaser, plus a 5% penalty and 1% interest per month on those amounts. Delinquent taxes owed to the city or parish must also be paid. If a tax sale is not redeemed, the tax sale purchaser may be able to acquire title to the property.