Annual Tax Sale & Scavenger Sale
Cook County, IL
Tax Auction Guide
Cook County holds both annual tax sales and biennial scavenger sales. The scavenger sale offers properties with 2+ years of delinquency at deeply discounted prices — sometimes as low as $250. This guide covers both sale types, the penalty bid system (up to 18% per 6-month period), the 2.5-year redemption period, and the tax deed petition process for Cook County.
What's Inside
- Upcoming auction dates and registration deadlines
- Step-by-step bidding procedures for your county
- Local legal requirements and deposit amounts
- Redemption period rules and timeline
- Path to clear title after purchase
- Key contacts and official resources