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1. What is the time/date/location of the next Public
Upset Tax Sale?
The Upset Tax Sale is conducted in the Commissioners’
Conference Room, Third Floor, Courthouse Annex, Jim Thorpe, Pa., at
10:00 A.M.
Annual Sale: September ***
Contact Bureau for Sale Date ***
2. Where and when will the sale be advertised?
The sale date is advertised approximately one month
prior to sale in the Carbon County Law Journal and The Times News. The
sale is advertised once in each publication.
3. Is registration required to attend the sale?
Yes. Registration Forms and Sale Lists are provided
approximately one month prior to Upset Tax Sale date at the current
cost of $5.00 in person or $7.00 by mail which includes
shipping/handling. Payment should be made payable to the Carbon County
Tax Claim Bureau and mailed to the Carbon County Tax Claim Bureau,
Courthouse Annex, P.O. Box 37, Jim Thorpe, Pa., 18229.
Registration
will only be accepted until one week prior to sale date without
exception. Please contact the Tax Claim Bureau for the deadline once
the sale date is established.
4. Once I receive the list, where can I obtain
additional information on the size and location of the properties?
Information, such as dimensions, acreage, etc.,
pertinent to the respective property can be obtained through the
County Assessment Department, (570) 325-5254. The County Mapping Department can provide you with a
detailed map reflecting the location of the property at your cost, (570) 325-8519. You may wish to contact the Borough or Township Zoning
Officer for wetlands information. Please consult a telephone directory
for the telephone number of the Borough or Township Office.
5. What type of bidding process is used?
Minimum Bids are established for each sale property.
The Bid includes current and delinquent Real Estate Taxes, associated
Penalties, Interest and Costs, in addition to the Realty Transfer Tax
(*), Recording Fee, Deed Preparation and Prothonotary Fee.
Auction bidding may be competitive due to the number of interested
buyers. Properties are sold to the highest Bidder.
* The Transfer Tax is equal to the Assessed Value
multiplied by the Common Level Ratio Factor and 2% (1% Taxing Entities
1% Commonwealth of PA).
6. Will you allow purchases by mail?
No. Bidders must attend the Upset Tax Sale to purchase
properties. However, a party presenting
legal evidence
of Power of
Attorney or limited Power of Attorney on your behalf may purchase
properties in your absence.
7. What type of payment is required for purchase?
Sale payments are strictly Cash, Cashier’s Check,
Certified Check or Money Order. Personal or Business Checks are not
acceptable. If successful, the Purchaser must remit payment in full at
the time the property is struck down. You may not leave the sale
proceedings to obtain additional funds. Also, the Conditions of Sale and Certification Form
must be completed at sale for each property purchased.
** Please note that Bidders with recorded real estate
tax delinquencies within the County of Carbon are prohibited to
purchase properties. **
8. Will the sale be final?
All sales are final and no refunds will be made after
the sale. Following the Upset Tax Sale, the former owner has a
thirty-day period during which to contest the sale. If contested, the
local Court of Common Pleas will render a decision on the ownership of
the property. In the event of litigation, you will need legal
representation.
9. Do I have clear title to the property purchased?
The Bureau does not provide clear title nor will
assist the Purchaser in obtaining clear title to any property
purchased at sale. It is strongly urged that you have a professional
examination made of the title. These properties are offered for sale
by the Tax Claim Bureau without any guarantee or warranty whatsoever
either as to structures upon the land, liens, title or any other
matter. The Bureau will sell the property as described on the dockets
in the Carbon County Tax Claim Bureau and makes no representations or
warranties as to the description, or even the existence of the
property, nor will it make any survey on a property sold. Also, the
Bureau, its representatives, employees and Solicitor make no
representations or warranties as to the state of the property or
title. You must seek your own legal counsel before and
following purchase.
10. Will all other liens be cleared from the property
as a result of the sale?
The
Upset Tax
Sale is
held for the satisfaction of current and back-taxes of record.
Mortgages, Liens and Encumbrances are not divested by this type of
sale. As Purchaser, you are responsible for
all
liens of
record. Consequently, you must conduct your own Title Search prior to
purchase.
11. Where do I obtain information on liens or
mortgages?
Contact the County Prothonotary’s Office, (570)
325-2481, and the County Recorder of Deeds Office, (570) 325-2651, to
determine the existence of liens and/or judgments against the property
of interest.
12. Will I receive a document to verify the purchase?
Following the Upset Tax Sale, you will receive a Deed
for the purchased property at a date predetermined by statute. In the
event of a Mobile Home purchase, you will receive a Bill of Sale.
13. When will the list of unsold properties be
available?
Following the Upset Tax Sale, unsold properties will
be eligible for the Judicial Sale at a scheduled date in November of
the following year. Please obtain and refer to the Judicial Sale
Questions & Answers Sheet for further detail.
14. Is a copy of the state statutes available for
purchase?
No. You can review the Pennsylvania Real Estate Tax
Sale Law, Act 542, at any County Law Library in Pennsylvania and
request copies at your cost. Also, you may obtain a copy of the Act
through your respective state legislator.
15. If I have any other questions or legal concerns,
may I call the Bureau?
No. All other questions should be directed to an
attorney of your choice as Bureau staff cannot give legal advice. |