McHenry County sits in north central North Dakota. Towner is the county seat. The county includes small towns, farm areas, hunting land, fishing areas, and wildlife refuge land. This guide explains how McHenry County tax deed sales work. It covers sale timing, bidder rules, payment terms, buyer risks, OTC options, and due diligence steps. McHenry County posts foreclosed property updates through its county site.

What Is McHenry County Tax Deed Investing?

McHenry County sells property after unpaid taxes move through North Dakota tax deed rules. Investors do not buy tax lien certificates at this county sale. They bid on county held real estate. The county deed passes the county’s interest to the buyer. The buyer should still check title, access, use, and any liens that may survive.

Important Details

The county notice and state law show that McHenry County follows North Dakota tax deed sale rules. The annual sale begins on the third Tuesday in November. The county’s posted notices have used 9:00 AM as the sale time. McHenry County is in Central Time.

Detail	McHenry County Tax Sale Info
Tax Sale Type	Tax deed county deed sale
Typical Sale Date	Third Tuesday in November
Auction Time	Usually 9:00 AM Central Time
Location	County Auditor office, Towner, North Dakota
Registration	No online registration listed. Attend or send proxy.
Redemption Period	No normal owner period after sale. IRS liens may redeem.
Interest Rate	No lien interest. IRS redemption may include 6 percent yearly.
Bid Procedure	Highest eligible bidder at or above minimum sale price.
Deposit or Payment	Cash or check due right away.
Buyer Rule	Buyer must not owe back taxes in North Dakota.
Contact	Darlene Carpenter, Auditor, [email protected]
Updates	Check the county Foreclosed Property page.

Fun Facts About McHenry County

• McHenry County was named for James McHenry. He was an early settler tied to Vermillion, South Dakota.
• The county was formed from part of Bottineau County during territorial days.
• Towner remains the county seat.
• Census estimates place the county near 5,100 people.
• The county has 53 townships and 12 cities.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

• Attractions: J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Cottonwood Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Wintering River National Wildlife Refuge.
• Transportation: US 2 and US 52 serve the area near key county routes.
• Economy: agriculture, cattle, natural resources, and tourism support the county.
• Community: hunting, fishing, birding, and small town living are strong local draws.

Why McHenry County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

• McHenry County can offer state tax lien opportunities in a deed format.
• Low minimum bids may create high returns when research is strong.
• It can fit a low risk investment plan only after title and land checks.
• Small town lots may suit buy and hold plans.
• Rural parcels may appeal to land buyers, neighbors, and local users.

Auction Process for McHenry County Tax Deed Sales

McHenry County tax deed sales happen as public auctions. State law says annual sales begin on the third Tuesday in November. The county sells each parcel to the highest eligible bidder. The bid must meet the posted minimum sale price. The county can reject bids with county approval.

How the Auction Works

Maximum Returns and Expected Returns on McHenry County Tax Deeds

McHenry County tax deeds do not pay a fixed interest rate like tax lien certificates. Your expected returns come from resale, rental use, neighbor sale, land use, or long term value. State law sets the minimum price around taxes, special assessments, penalties, interest, costs, and estimated current taxes. That can create room for a deal when the parcel has real demand.

According to our review, many McHenry County tax deed parcels can be small town lots, outlots, or vacant land. That means access, use, and title checks matter more than house repair math.

Open to All Investors and Foreign Investor Participation

The county rules I found do not list a citizenship limit. They do require the buyer to attend or use a proxy. They also say the winning bidder must not owe back taxes anywhere in North Dakota. Foreign buyers should call the Auditor before bidding. They should ask how to write the deed name, how to pay, and what tax forms the county needs.

Importance of Due Diligence in McHenry County Tax Deed Investing

Due diligence means checking the property before you bid. McHenry County makes no promise about title, condition, use, liens, easements, or property lines. The county also says some outside assessments may remain after sale. This is why cheap property can still cost money later.

What Due Diligence Entails

• Run a title search.
• Check taxes and special assessments.
• Visit the property from a public road.
• Confirm legal access.
• Check flood, code, and building rules.
• Ask about occupants before entry.
• Check recorded IRS liens.

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

• You may buy land with no access.
• A survey may cost more than expected.
• A use limit may block your plan.
• Some liens or assessments may remain.
• A quiet title case may be needed before resale.

Buying OTC Tax Deeds in McHenry County

How to Purchase OTC Tax Deeds

North Dakota law allows unsold tax deed property to be sold between annual sales. The county auditor may sell unsold property by private sale before the next November sale. The price cannot be below the approved minimum sale price unless a lawful reappraisal or related action applies. Check McHenry County’s Foreclosed Property page and property list for current county held parcels.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

OTC purchases may have less bidding pressure. You can review the parcel before making an offer. You may also have more time to call the county, check maps, and speak with local contacts. The main benefit is control. You avoid the rush of the live tax deed sale.

Why McHenry County Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

• McHenry County has strong ties to agriculture and cattle.
• Natural resources and tourism also support local demand.
• The county’s low density can create land plays.
• Small towns may offer simple entry points.
• Nearby Minot area demand can help some buyer pools.

Real Estate Market Overview

Census data shows a high owner occupied home rate in McHenry County. It also reports a median owner occupied home value near $151,000. That does not mean every tax deed is a deal. It does show a real local housing base. Buyers should compare each minimum bid with nearby sales, use, repairs, and resale demand.

Conclusion

McHenry County, North Dakota tax deed sales give investors a way to buy county held property through public auction. The typical annual sale begins on the third Tuesday in November. The county has used 9:00 AM Central Time in its posted sale notices. Buyers must attend or use a proxy. Winning bidders pay right away with cash or check.

The best deals come from research. Check title, access, use, special assessments, and resale demand. Treat every parcel as its own project. Tax deed benefits can be strong, but smart investing starts before the auction.

Pro Tips

• Call the Auditor before the sale and ask if any parcels were removed.
• Compare town lots in Towner, Velva, Upham, Drake, and Anamoose with nearby assessed values.
• For rural parcels, check access and whether the land is part of an active farm lease.
• Ask the Treasurer if any special assessments may remain.
• For resale, speak with neighbors first. Nearby owners often understand the land best.

McHenry County Tax Deed FAQs

Useful Links

• Oklahoma Tax Deeds: How to Find Affordable Investment Properties
• The Ultimate Guide to Tax Deeds: What You Need to Know
• Tax Deed Investing 101: How to Buy Property for Just $50!

Need a Hand?

Review the Auction Calendar, study the county list, and use free resources so you go in with a real plan. You can also book a call if you want one-on-one help with research steps, risk review, and lien selection

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

5–10deals/mo

2009TLS founded