West Virginia 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

1.5 years from sale date

Max Interest Rate

12% / year

IRS Lien Survives

Yes — verify before bidding

Foreclosure Required

Yes — to convert lien to deed

Quiet Title Required

Yes

Counties Covered

55 counties

Quiet Title Required in West Virginia

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

$1,500–$5,000

Legal Fees

6–18 mo

Timeline

How Tax Sales Work in West Virginia

West Virginia is a tax lien state. After the annual October sale, the owner has 18 months to redeem by paying all delinquent taxes plus 12% interest. If unredeemed, the certificate holder may file suit to obtain a tax deed. The state also conducts a secondary "sheriff's sale" for properties not sold at the primary sale. IRS liens survive if the IRS was not properly notified.

Quick Due Diligence Checklist for West Virginia

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 West Virginia

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

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

Budget for quiet title action — required in West Virginia 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: W. Va. Code §11A-3-1 et seq. · Verified: January 2025 · Always verify current laws directly with the West Virginia state statutes and your county treasurer. This is not legal or investment advice.

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