Illinois Tax Sale Laws — Investor Guide

Investors purchase a lien on the property, earning interest until the owner redeems it or the investor forecloses.

Redemption Period

2 years from sale date

Max Interest Rate

18% / year

IRS Lien Survives

Yes — verify before bidding

Foreclosure Required

Quiet Title Required

Yes

Counties Covered

102 counties

Quiet Title Required in Illinois

Before a title insurer will issue a policy on a tax deed property in Illinois, you'll need to complete a quiet title action.

$2,000–$6,000

Legal Fees

6–18 mo

Timeline

How Tax Sales Work in Illinois

Illinois sells tax liens (2-year redemption) and holds tax deed sales. Quiet title strongly recommended for deed sales. Process can be complex in Cook County.

Quick Due Diligence Checklist for Illinois

Verify property is still on the auction list within 48 hours of sale (redemptions happen until the last minute)

Check for federal IRS liens — they survive the tax sale in Illinois

Search for HOA liens and municipal code violations — these may survive in some counties

Budget for foreclosure costs — required in Illinois to convert a lien to deed

Budget for quiet title action — required in Illinois before title insurance will issue

Drive the property or use street view to confirm structure exists and is accessible

Verify assessed value vs. back taxes owed — if taxes exceed assessed value, it may be a junk property

Source: 35 ILCS 200/21-260 · Verified: March 2026 · Always verify current laws directly with the Illinois state statutes and your county treasurer. This is not legal or investment advice.

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