Under Illinois law, there are two types of tax sales to sell delinquent property taxes — the required Annual Tax Sale and the Scavenger Sale (only held if ordered by the Cook County Board).

If property taxes for the immediately preceding tax year are delinquent on a parcel, the full delinquent tax amount due, plus interest and penalties, are offered for sale at the Annual Tax Sale.

To participate in the Annual Tax Sale, potential bidders must review the rules and regulations, complete registration and provide collateral or a bond.

The next Annual Tax Sale will take place in 2025.

While Illinois law previously required the Scavenger Tax Sale to be held every two years, a new law that passed in 2023 has made the Scavenger Sale optional. Scavenger Sales will only be held at the direction of the Cook County Board.

At the Scavenger Tax Sale, if a property has three or more delinquent tax years, those taxes are offered for sale to the highest bidder. There is a minimum opening bid amount of $250.00, or one half of the total tax amount due if that amount is less than $500.00.