McHenry County Tax Sale Information

McHenry County will run a Real Estate Sealed-Bid Auction through September 19, 2025. Submit bids online at iltaxsalebids.com or deliver sealed bids with full payment to the Treasurer’s Office in Woodstock. The Treasurer accepts drive-up or walk-in deliveries at 2100 N. Seminary Ave. during office hours.

Key Auction Details

• Date (last day to bid): September 19, 2025
• Location (in-person delivery): Treasurer – 2100 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098 • Mailing: 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098 • Hours: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Mon–Fri
• Auction Type: Sealed Bid (Real Estate) — no verbal bidding
• Minimum Bid: $814.00

Terms of Sale

You submit one highest bid per parcel. The county sells to the highest conforming bid received by the deadline. If two bidders tie, the tax agent will issue follow-up instructions.

Include full payment with any sealed written bid (no cash). Acceptable forms: personal check, cashier’s check, money order, or bank draft payable to County Trustee. Unsuccessful bidders receive their original payment back.

All property sells as-is. Investigate zoning, demolitions, code issues, and access before you bid. The County may reject any bid or withdraw parcels at any time.

Title conveys by Quitclaim Deed after payment processing; the seller does not guarantee title. If your title research shows a defect that makes the title unmarketable and you notify the seller in time, you may rescind and receive a refund of deposits (no interest).

You pay future taxes starting January 1, 2026 on any property you win.

Results post about three weeks after the last day to bid.

County officers, employees, and relatives cannot purchase under 55 ILCS 55/1.

How to Participate

Option 1 – Online

Create an account and place bids on iltaxsalebids.com.

If you win, the system emails payment instructions; pay in full within seven days.

Option 2 – Sealed Written Bid

Pick up the catalog and Binding Purchase Contract / Sealed Bid from the Treasurer or download from ILTaxSale.

Inspect the parcel on your own.

Fill in item number, parcel number, your bid (not less than $814), contact info, and sign.

Include full payment (no cash) payable to County Trustee.

Deliver one sealed envelope per bid labeled “SEALED BID” to the Treasurer at 2100 N. Seminary Ave. by Sept. 19, 2025; or mail to 2200 N. Seminary Ave. early enough to arrive before the deadline.

Pro tips

Hand-deliver local bids when possible to avoid mail delays.

Confirm parcel status (condemnations, demolitions, access) with local authorities before bidding.

Here are some links you might need for the McHenry County, Illinois, Tax Deed Auction:

• McHenry County Tax Sale Information Link 
• McHenry County Treasurer’s Office
• McHenry County In-Person Auction Site
• How to Profit from Illinois’s Tax Lien Sales
• Learn How Does Tax Lien Investing Work
• Want to get started with Tax Liens? Click Here!
• Is Illinois the best place to profit from tax lien certificates?

You can acquire abandoned or under-used parcels at entry-level pricing and help return them to the tax rolls. McHenry County set the minimum bid at $814, and the sealed-bid format lets you name your best price. Always run title checks and site visits before you submit offers.

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