Stoddard County urges residents to avoid August tax sale

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

STODDARD COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) – The Stoddard County Collector’s Office is encouraging property owners with delinquent real estate taxes to take action before this year’s annual tax sale.

According to Stoddard County Collector-Treasurer Josh Speakman, the county holds tax sales for properties that are at least two years delinquent on real estate taxes, as required by Missouri law. He emphasized that the sale is for a tax lien, not the immediate sale of a person’s home.

The county recently mailed certified notices to affected property owners and plans to make additional contact through phone calls and text messages when possible.

The annual tax sale is scheduled for the fourth Monday in August. Beginning in early August, the county will post notices on properties still eligible for the sale.

Speakman said paying the oldest delinquent tax year first may remove a property from the tax sale list.

The collector’s office also offers several resources to help property owners avoid a tax sale, including trusted contact options, installment payment plans once delinquent taxes are brought current, and text alert notifications.

Under Missouri law, most first-year tax lien sales include a one-year redemption period, allowing property owners time to reclaim their property.

Property owners with questions or concerns about delinquent taxes are encouraged to contact the Stoddard County Collector’s Office at 573-568-3327 to discuss available options.