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Tax Forfeited Land's Frequently Asked Questions

Land Sales
    1.    When are they held?
    2.    How can I find out what is for sale?
    3.    How are the parcels selected for sale?
    4.    What is meant by 'no access'?
    5.    Can I purchase the land on a contract for deed?
    6.    What if a parcel doesn't sell the day of the auction?
    7.    Example of downpayments that would be due on a contract for deed at the land sale.

1.    When are they held?
    Aitkin County tax forfeited land auctions are held once a year, usually in the late summer early fall. The only way that tax forfeited land can be sold is by public auction. The auction is an oral bid (raise your hand to bid) auction. You or someone representing you must be present at the auction. No sealed bids are accepted and no internet bidding.

2.    How can I find out what is for sale?
    Every year the list of available properties is mailed out to all who request to be on a mailing list. An email is also sent out to anyone asking to be on that list. The email notification contains the links to the parcel information pages. The web site will have parcel information on each individual parcel along with photos, aerial photography, and a copy of the plat if it is a platted parcel. Each year the information on the sale is placed on the web approx. 2 months in advance of the sale. Please check our web site for information or email us to be put on the notification list when it becomes available. acld@co.aitkin.mn.us

3.    How are the parcels selected for sale?
    Many people inquire about the process used to determine which tax-forfeited parcels are offered for sale. Much of Aitkin County tax forfeited land has  been dedicated for public benefits and will not be considered for sale. Large blocks of forest land, recreation areas, wildlife habitat considerations, public water frontage, public access, or gravel deposits are prime examples of why land would be retained by the County.
    Some parcels are proposed for sale by Aitkin County. Generally, recent tax forfeitures or parcels not essential to County management plans are proposed for sale by the County. Individuals may also request that certain parcels be considered for sale. However, just because we receive a request, that doesn't mean that the parcel will be offered for sale. Once the proposed list is generated, it is reviewed by county staff to see if any of the parcels will cause future land management problems.
     Once the list has been created, a public hearing is held to determine the land classification of the parcels. A parcel must be classified to dispose of in order to be offered for sale. This public hearing is held by the Aitkin County Board of Commissioners. The list is published on the web site for the public review. At the public hearing the proposed list is reviewed and the County Board determines the parcels to be classified to be disposed of, based on input from the previous reviewers. The list is then forwarded to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for review and approval. Specific land parcels will be offered for sale if all of the above parties approve the sale of them. If any one of the above parties disapproves of the sale of a specific parcel, it will not be offered for sale.

4.    What is meant by 'no access'?
    If a parcel is sold without access, it is the purchaser's responsibility to obtain an access into the property. If there is no access, you will be trespassing to cross another individual's property to get to it without their permission. The first step In getting an access into a land locked parcel, is to talk to the adjoining land owners to see if they are willing to give or sell you an easement. In the State of Minnesota, there is a law (Statute 164.08 subd 2) that determines whether a property is eligible to force an access into the property if you are not able to get one from an adjoining land owner.

5.    Can I purchase the land on a contract for deed?
    Yes. However, on sales amounting to $500.00 or less per parcel, the purchase price shall be paid in cash at the time of purchase. Sales amounting to more than $500.00 per parcel, the purchaser shall pay at least 10% or $500.00 of the land value, whichever is greater, plus the timber and buildings (in full), with the privilege of paying the balance in equal yearly payments. But a minimum of $100.00 per year on the principal is requried (not to exceed 10 years, or in 10 equal, annual installments plus interest, whichever is shorter) at the present rate of 10 percent per annum (interest is set by the state each year and can vary from 10% to 15%). (simple interest accrues). Any remaining balance may be paid at any time with payments going first to interest due and 2nd to principal. The purchaser shall pay in cash at the time of the sale, the entire sale price of the timber and buildings when listed separately plus 10% of the land. The purchaser at such sale shall be entitled to immediate possession subject to the provisions of any existing lease made on behalf of the State. All lands are sold subject to any railroad, highway and other easements.

6.    What if a parcel doesn't sell the day of the auction?
    If a parcel doesn't sell the day of the auction, it is available on a first come, first serve basis for the appraised price for a period that is determined by the county board. Generally it is available for 4 months after the date of sale. After that time, the sale is closed to allow time to prepare for the next year's sale and no purchases will be allowed.

7.    Example of downpayments