Tax lien question can I pay before it goes to auction?

[Chris Sonnleitner]

There is a property that has tax liens on it that I am interested in.
I know the address, how much is owed, etc etc...

Do I have to go to a tax auction in order to pay the past due taxes on it or can I pay them now somehow?

and if I can pay them now somehow...

I remember hearing on one of the BP podcast shows that there is a way to register or verify that you paid the taxes so that you have the first opportunity to pay them when they come due again before they would go to auction... 

can anyone remind me how you do that as well? please and Thank You for any time taken to help me with these questions !