How Jackson County Tax Sales Work

1

Taxes Go Unpaid

Property taxes become delinquent on January 1 following the year they were due. Interest and penalties begin accruing immediately.

2

First Offering (Year 3+)

After roughly 3 years of delinquency, Jackson County places your property in the annual tax lien sale, typically held in August.

3

Redemption Period

After the first or second offering, you have exactly 1 year to redeem. After the third offering, you have only 90 days.

4

Deed Transfer

If you don't redeem in time, the tax sale purchaser receives a Collector's Deed and you permanently lose your home.

Critical: After the third-year offering, you have only 90 days to redeem — and after that, the buyer gets the deed immediately with zero redemption period.

What Does Redemption Cost?

To redeem your property, you must pay:

  • Full delinquent tax amount — all years owed
  • 10% annual interest on the delinquent balance
  • Additional penalties and fees assessed by the county
  • Recording fees for the Certificate of Redemption
Example: A home with $2,500/year in taxes unpaid for 3 years could cost $10,000–$12,000 to redeem, including interest and fees.

Impact Across Jackson County

South Kansas City

Older housing stock with lower values means tax sale amounts can rival property equity. Many homeowners find selling makes more financial sense than redeeming.

Independence

High concentration of tax-delinquent properties. Independence homeowners facing the third offering should act immediately — 90 days goes fast.

Raytown

Mid-range homes with steady values. Raytown owners often have enough equity to sell and walk away with cash even after covering back taxes.

Grandview

Growing area with rising home values. Don't let tax delinquency steal your equity — the sooner you act, the more you keep.

Your Alternative: Sell for Cash Before the Deadline

Instead of scrambling to come up with thousands in back taxes, penalties, and interest — many Jackson County homeowners choose to sell to us instead.

How it works: We buy your home as-is, pay off all delinquent taxes at closing, and you walk away with cash in as few as 14 days. No repairs, no commissions, no stress.
Sell to Saving KC Redeem on Your Own
Timeline 14 days to close Months to save up
Back Taxes We pay them at closing You pay full amount + interest
Repairs Needed None You keep the house as-is
Cash in Hand Yes — walk away with money No — you spend money
Risk Zero — guaranteed close Miss a payment = lose home
Stress Level We handle everything All on you

Excess Proceeds: Money You May Be Owed

When a property sells at a Jackson County tax sale for more than the delinquent taxes owed, the difference is called excess proceeds — and that money belongs to you, the former owner.

Example: Your home sells at tax sale for $45,000, but you only owed $8,500 in back taxes. The remaining $36,500 is excess proceeds — and you have the right to claim it.

How to Claim Excess Proceeds in Jackson County

1

Check If Proceeds Exist

Contact the Jackson County Collector's Office at (816) 881-3232 or visit in person to ask if excess funds are being held from the sale of your property.

2

File a Claim

Submit a written claim to the Collector's Office. You'll need to provide proof of ownership at the time of the sale (deed, tax records) and a valid government-issued ID.

3

Receive Your Funds

Once your claim is verified, the county releases the excess proceeds to you. If multiple parties have claims (lienholders, heirs), the funds are distributed by priority.

Don't Wait: Missouri law requires you to claim excess proceeds within 2 years of the tax sale date. After that, unclaimed funds are forfeited to the county — permanently.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Former property owners — the person on the deed at the time of the tax sale
  • Heirs and estate representatives — if the owner has passed away
  • Lienholders — mortgage companies or other parties with a recorded lien (paid in priority order)
Selling instead? If your home hasn't gone to tax sale yet, selling to us now means you keep all your equity — not just the excess after the county takes its cut. We pay off back taxes at closing and you walk away with the full difference.

Jackson County Collector's Office

Address: 415 E 12th St, Floor 1, Kansas City, MO 64106

Phone: (816) 881-3232

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM