Right of Redemption

Redemption Period

Properties purchased in a tax sale may be redeemed by the previous owner, the heirs of the previous owner, or lien holders and assignees. An order confirming the tax sale is entered into the court records within 45 business days of the sale date. Once the order is complete, the property is eligible for redemption. If the IRS holds a lien on the property, the right of redemption is 120 days from the date of the sale (28 U.S.C. §2410(b)).

The Tennessee Legislature passed changes to the redemption law January 2016. The new law allows shorter redemption period based on the number of years a property has been delinquent.

*To be considered vacant and abandoned, a property must be inspected at least three times over a two-month period at different times of day

How to Redeem Tax Sale Property

To redeem property from tax sale, you must contact the Chancery Court Clerk's Office and perform the necessary steps required by Tennessee statute. These steps include the filing of a Motion to Redeem Property from Tax Sale and making payment according to the final bid price of the property plus interest.

The Trustee's office does not take part in the redemption procedure. We strongly recommend the use of an attorney to assure all necessary documents are filed in a timely manner and that the redemption process is completed as required by law.

What if Someone Redeems the Property I Purchased?

The court will return the bid amount along with up to 12% interest per annum on your bid amount (interest is calculated from the date of sale until the Motion to Redeem Tax Sale Property is filed with the Court). All requests for reimbursement of maintenance and/or improvement costs incurred by the purchaser are approved at the discretion of the Court. You are encouraged to seek the advice of an independent attorney before making any improvements to the property and before filing any Motion requesting reimbursement for incurred costs.

For a listing of properties under redemption, please refer to Properties Under Redemption page.

More Information

For additional information, please contact the Shelby County Trustee.

** Employees or relatives of employees of the Shelby County Trustee's Office are not eligible to bid on properties in tax sale.