Low-Cost Properties in Tax Auctions in Lackawanna County, PA

Discover how you can buy properties at 40-90% below market value through tax sales in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. These sales, held annually in September at the Scranton Cultural Center, offer fantastic opportunities for savvy investors.

Understanding Tax Lien Certificates and Tax Deeds

Tax Lien Certificates:

• When you buy a tax lien certificate, you’re paying off the property owner’s tax debt.
• The property owner then has a set time to repay you with interest. If they don’t, you can foreclose on the property.

Tax Deeds:

• Buying a tax deed means you purchase the property outright.
• This can happen if the property owner fails to pay taxes for several years.

Key Details for Lackawanna County Tax Auction

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Types	Upset Sale, Judicial Sale, Repository Sale
Typical Sale Date	Upset Sale: September; Judicial Sale: Spring
Redemption Period	Varies; no redemption for Judicial Sales
Interest Rate	9% annually from February 1 after taxes are delinquent
Bid Procedure	Premium Bid
Deposit	10% of the bid price, payable immediately
Auction Site	Scranton Cultural Center, Shopland Hall, 420 North Washington Ave., Scranton

Tax Sales Process

1. Upset Tax Sale:
   • Held in September, covering unpaid taxes but not clearing other liens.
   • Two newspapers and the Lackawanna County Jurist announced it 30 days before the sale.
2. Private Sale:
   • If the Upset Sale doesn’t sell a property, the county may offer it at a Private Sale.
   • The county can sell properties at any approved price, but the sale does not clear existing liens.
3. Judicial Sale:
   • Conducted in spring, it frees properties from all encumbrances except separately taxed ground rents.
   • Requires thorough property searches and legal notifications.
4. Repository List:
   • Properties are unsold after other sales are added here.
   • Offers can be made without court approval, making it straightforward for investors.

Contacts and Links

• Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau:
  • Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau
  • Phone: 570-963-6734 Ext. 1640
  • Email: [email protected]
• County Website:
  • Lackawanna County Official Website
• Auction Site:
  • Scranton Cultural Center, Shopland Hall, 420 North Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

Pro Tips

• Register Early: Ensure you register in advance and confirm there are no outstanding taxes on your part.
• Research Properties: Hire professionals for title searches to uncover any liens or debts.
• Attend Workshops: Lackawanna County occasionally offers workshops for new investors.

FAQs

1. What is a tax lien certificate?

• A tax lien certificate is a claim against a property for unpaid property taxes.

2. Can I inspect the properties before the auction?

• Generally, properties are sold “as is” and you might not be able to inspect them beforehand.

3. What happens if I buy a property with existing liens?

• For upset and private sales, liens remain on the property. For judicial sales, properties are sold free of liens.

4. How do I register for a sale?

• You must register at the Tax Claim Bureau, pay a registration fee, and ensure you have no delinquent taxes.

Useful Links

• Lackawanna County Online Delinquent Tax Claim Payments
• Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Need a Hand?

Need more guidance on tax lien and deed investing? Feel free to reach out to the Alamance County Tax Department or explore our free resources for additional support. You can also book a call with us for personalized guidance! Happy bidding!

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