State Summary
The three counties in Delaware sell redeemable deeds. The rules that govern the tax sales in Delaware change according to county. Even the redemption penalty and redemption period differ among counties. The state statutes allow for a 20% interest rate with a 1-year redemption period; or a 15% penalty with a redemption period of only 60 days. Tax sales are referred to as “monition tax sales” and are the responsibility of the county sheriff.
According to information on the Kent County Sheriff’s website, tax sales are held every three months. “No matter what is owed in taxes, the property is going to the highest bidder.” Only cash, certified checks, and cashier’s checks are accepted for payment and the full bid price is due on the day of the sale. You are allowed a couple of hours to go to the bank to secure funds. If the original owner does not redeem in 60 days, the successful bidder may petition for the deed to the property. If for some reason the sale is overturned by the court, the successful bidder will be refunded their bid but without a penalty. You can find more information on the Kent County Sheriff’s web site at http://www.co.kent.de.us/sheriffs-office.aspx.
The Newcastle County Sheriff’s office will take cashiers/certified check, with proper ID, for payment at the tax sale. They conduct foreclosure sales, including tax foreclosure sales on the second Tuesday of each month. On their website it is stipulated that a tax sale does not necessarily negate other debts on the property and you may research the property at the county recorder of deeds office. New Castle also has the 15% penalty and 60-day redemption period. There is very limited information available on the New Castle Sheriff’s web site at http://www.nccde.org/167/Sheriffs-Office.
Tax sale information online for Delaware counties is limited. There is limited information on the Sussex County Sheriff’s web site at http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/dept/sheriff/index.cfm?resource=sale_info.
Tax assessment data and contact information is available online on the county’s web sites.
Summary courtesy of Joanne Musa's
State Guide