Pettis sells delinquent tax properties in sale
Pettis auctions off delinquent tax properties in sale
Escambia County (Ala.) Tax Collector Tim Pettis auctioned off 176 parcels of land last Thursday during the delinquent tax sale that generated $127,759.84 in revenue.
Pettis said three parcels did not sell at the sale and they are automatically purchased by the state of Alabama.
"The sale went well," Pettis said. "I was a little discouraged that we had so many parcels left to sell, but we've tried to reach out to people to tell them the taxes were due."
Property taxes were due Oct. 1 and become delinquent on Dec. 31. Minimum bids on each parcel begin to cover the taxes, fees and advertising costs.
Pettis noted that owners of property sold last Thursday have 10 days to pay those taxes before tax deeds are mailed to the person who bought the property. He also said after the 10 days, property owners will pay a 12 percent penalty until the tax bill is paid.
"People have until May 29 to pay the taxes, penalties and fees before the 12 percent kicks in," Pettis said.
The 12 percent penalty is paid to the person who purchased the property at the sale with the county's goal of collecting the actual taxes and late fees.
