Tax Lien Sales | Chesapeake, VA (2026)

FAQs

How do I buy tax delinquent property in Virginia? ›

How can I purchase real estate that is behind on taxes? There are no tax lien sales in Virginia, however, you may purchase real estate at a public auction. You can sign up to receive notice of our upcoming tax sales (https://taxva.com/interested-bidder-form/).

A lien is a garnishment against bank accounts and certain investments accounts of an individual or entity for assessments and/or tax liens due to Virginia Tax. We'll ask your bank or financial institution to hold any assets you have in an account, including interest, rent, or other funds.

FAQs • If I pay the delinquent taxes on a property, do I hav. If I pay the delinquent taxes on a property, do I have legal ownership of that property? No, there is no such provision under Virginia law.

Copies or Search for UCC/Tax Lien Filings

Requests must be made on the Information Request Form (UCC11). To ascertain the number of pages in a document and determine the proper amount of payment for your request, contact the Clerk's Office at (804) 371-9733 or toll-free in Virginia at 1-866-722-2551.

Any person who has paid any taxes on such real estate shall have a lien thereon for any taxes paid, plus interest at the rate of six percent per year.

In most cases in Virginia, if your property taxes are delinquent on December 31 following the second anniversary of the due date, the locality can start a foreclosure on your home by filing a lawsuit in court seeking permission to sell the property.

Virginia is a tax deed state. In a tax deed state the actual property is sold after tax foreclosure, opposed to a tax lien state where a lien is sold against the property giving the owner the right to collect the back due taxes and earn interest.

Virginia Adverse Possession Laws at a Glance

Continuous trespassers' rights, or "adverse possession" laws, an individual who inhabits and improves an otherwise neglected piece of real estate may claim title to that property after a certain amount of time has passed.

In terms of the time limit for the state to collect taxes assessed and due, there is a seven-year statute of limitations. The clock generally starts ticking the day that your return is due, but if you file late, it doesn't start until the day you file.

Judgment Liens: State Va. Code §8.01-458 and 8.01-251 Expire 20 years from date entered, and may be renewed for an additional 20 years *** If real estate has been conveyed to a BFP, the lien is unenforceable 10 years after date of transfer. Known as “10 year out of title” rule.

How to put a lien on property in Virginia? ›

Generally, anyone can put a lien on the property to ensure the satisfaction of a debt in Virginia. While some persons become lienholders due to an applicable statute, others must approach the court for a money judgement or enter a contract with the property owner to create a lien on the owner's property.

Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P.C., or TACS, is a law firm retained by Prince William County to assist with the collection of delinquent taxes. What is a tax sale? A tax sale refers to the sale of real property to provide for the payment of delinquent real estate taxes.

Yes. A penalty of 10% of the assessed tax will be added to the tax due. In addition, interest will be due on both the tax and penalty, at a rate of 10% per annum until paid.

What is a DMV Stop? In accordance with Virginia State Code §46.2-752(J), the Treasurer has the authority to withhold state registrations for vehicles owned, or co-owned, by you until all delinquent personal property taxes are paid in full.