General Questions On Seized Property Sales
(May not apply to Acquired Property and Judicial Sales)
Does the Government provide financing for the purchase?
The government does not provide any form of financing and the form of payment and amount of the bid must comply with the Terms of Payment as stated on the Notice of Public Auction Sale.
Can I get on the mailing list?
There is no special mailing list at this time. To view all present and upcoming auctions, visit our web site.
Why doesn't the Internal Revenue Service take personal checks, credit cards or Bank Letters of Guarantee at their sales?
As per the Internal Revenue Code, all payments for property sold must be by a certified, cashier's, or treasurer's check drawn on any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States or under the laws of any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or by a United States postal, bank, or express money order. Checks or money orders are to be made payable to the ‘United States Treasury’.
Since the Internal Revenue Service can only accept cash or certified funds at their auctions, how can I bring certified funds if I don't know how much the property will sell for or if I will be the successful bidder?
Bidders are encouraged to bring several cashier's checks (made payable as directed in the Notice of Sale) in differing amounts, along with some cash to make up any difference needed.
For example, a bidder may bring a cashier's check for $5,000, two checks for $2,500, one check for $1,000 plus $500 in cash. Any checks not used at the sale should be able to be returned to your bank by you and cancelled and the funds returned to you. We also will usually have the ability to make change to some degree at the sale. Of course, other amounts and scenarios may apply.
What type of sale is it and how is it conducted?
The Internal Revenue Code requires that seized property be sold by Public Auction or Sealed Bid Auction. Either way, the auction is open to the public and bidding and rules are conducted by an auctioneer (usually a Property Appraisal and Liquidation Specialist with the IRS). At the end of the bidding process or the opening of the sealed bids, the highest recorded bid will be awarded the property being auctioned. Potential bidders would be best prepared by requesting a copy of the Notice of Public Auction or Notice of Sealed Bid Auction and perusing same for instructions and requirements for that specific sale. A copy of Notice of Sale can be reviewed on our Web Site.
Can I mail a Bid in?
While a mail-in bid is a courtesy to those that cannot attend a physical auction, it is not present for every sale. The conditions set forth for a mail-in bid are spelled out on the bid form. Most IRS auctions will allow some form of mail-in-bid, but it would behoove a potential bidder to obtain a copy of the Notice of Sale for instructions and limitations.
Why do I need to obtain a Copy of the Notice of Sale?
Any auction may differ in one way or another. The Notice of Sale will give the potential bidder all the necessary information to begin to make an educated bid on the property in question. It will describe the property, tell you if there is a minimum bid to be met, where to send a sealed bid and if mail-in bids are allowed. Most importantly, the Notice of Sale will provide you with a point of contact for any information needed to assist you in making your decision.
What if the asset (car, boat, etc.) breaks after I purchase it?
All property is offered for sale "where is" and "as is" and without recourse against the United States. No guaranty or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the validity of the title, quality, quantity, weight, size or condition of any of the property, or its fitness for any use or purpose. No claim will be considered for allowance or adjustment or for rescission of the sale based on failure of the property to conform with any expressed or implied representation.
Can I negotiate to buy seized property from the Internal Revenue Service before the auction?
No. The Internal Revenue Code Section 6335 requires that the sale be conducted either by public auction or by public sale under sealed bids. The law does not allow the Internal Revenue Service to bypass the auction or sealed bid processes.
What other fees do I have to pay the Internal Revenue Service at the auction, in addition to my successful bid?
Unlike many other auctions, the IRS does not charge or add on any buyer's premium at our sales.
Real Estate
Do I get clear and insurable title?
All property is offered “As is” and “Where is” with no guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied. We provide information about known encumbrances against or other interest in the property offered on Form 2434-B. We do not warrant the correctness or completeness of this information and it is provided solely to help prospective bidders determine the value of the interest being sold. Prospective purchasers should exercise due diligence when bidding on property. All realty that is sold by the Internal Revenue Service is conveyed by Quit-Claim Deed. Contact the PALS to determine if a third-party title search was secured.
If I am the successful bidder, is the property then owned by me to do with as I wish?
According to the Internal Revenue Code, Section 6337, the following individuals have the right to redeem the property at any time within 180 days after the date the successful bid is accepted by the IRS:
- The owners, the heirs, executors, or administrators of the owners;
- Any person having any interest in the property;
- Any person having a lien interest in the property;
- Any person on behalf of those listed.
During the 180-day redemption period- May I collect rent, evict tenants or move onto the property?
The taxpayer and others of interest have a right to redeem the property and any action is dependent upon state law. Therefore, you should contact an attorney or legal representative for this type of advice.
Will I be paid for any expenses on the property that I expend during the 180-day redemption period if the property is redeemed?
The law requires only that for cash sale, the property or tract of property may be redeemed upon payment to the purchaser of the amount paid by the purchaser plus interest at the rate of 20 percent annually.
What happens after the 180-day redemption period? What kind of deed and when will I receive it?
The Internal Revenue Code Section 6338(b) provides that whenever real property is not redeemed within the 180-day period, the purchaser or his/her assign, will be issued a deed (usually a Quit-Claim Deed) upon surrender of the Certificate of Sale. The deed will be in accordance with the laws of the state in which the real property is situated pertaining to sales of real property under execution.