Frequently Asked Questions in Real Estate
Frequently Asked Questions in Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes
Real Estate Taxes are due December 31st of each year. The first half is delinquent May 1st and the second half is delinquent September 1st.
When taxes are not paid before the delinquent date, interest at 14% begins accruing. Each year’s unpaid tax must be paid before the next year’s tax can be paid.
To ensure that there are a maximum number of purchasers at the public sale, a list of all property subject to sale shall be publicized in a newspaper located in the county for three consecutive weeks.
The tax sale is held in a lottery style fashion with no restrictions upon the purchaser except they be of legal age.
The purchaser is issued a tax sale certificate which shall include property description, sum paid, redemption date, and shall be signed by the County Treasurer. Each certificate shall cost $20.00 to the purchaser in addition to the delinquent tax.
Purchase of delinquent taxes do not automatically strip the property owner of ownership. However, if the unpaid tax is not redeemed, a Treasurer’s Deed may be issued to the purchaser.
In order for the taxpayer (or interested party) to redeem their tax they must present a certified check to the Dawson County Treasurer payable to the purchaser for the tax, interest and costs. Taxes may be redeemed any time prior to the issue of a Treasurer’s Deed.
A Treasurer’s Deed may not be applied for until three years have passed from the date of sale, but not more than six months after these three years have elapsed.
Personal property taxes are assessed to businesses and for farm equipment. They are due the same time as real estate taxes.
The Treasurer is required to send a notice twenty days before a Distress Warrant is issued to the Sheriff for collection. The Sheriff then has the authority to collect those taxes by confiscating any tangible property and holding a public auction to recover unpaid taxes.
If you have any questions regarding real estate taxes, please feel free to contact our office at (308) 324-3241, email Kaitlyn at Kaitlyn.Woltemath@dawsoncountyne.gov, or consult your personal attorney.