Alabama Tax Sale Redemptions: Improvements

[Denise Evans]

I just learned that Montgomery County (Alabama) has a 40-day time period for tax-sale redeeming parties. If the taxpayer sends the improvements affidavit to the investor by certified mail, and it has been more than 40 business days since the affidavit was sent, with no response by the investor, then the taxpayer will be allowed to redeem anyway.

Shelby County will note their files if an investor claims to be entitled to payment for improvements. When the taxpayer attempts to redeem, Shelby County will notify the investor.

The lesson: In Montgomery County, make sure your tax sale property is assessed in the investor's name, with the correct mailing address, and DO NOT IGNORE certified letters!!

In Shelby County, also make sure the tax sale property is assessed in the investor's name, and also call and get registered on the property file if you've made improvements.

AND...don't forget those ten day deadlines!!! County rules do not pre-empt the 10 day deadlines. They are just local procedures to cut down on local headaches for county personnel.