Someone bought the taxes on my house. Do I have to move out?

No, not during the redemption window. The tax sale buyer has a certificate, not the house. You still own it, can live in it and can sell it. The buyer can only ask the court for a deed after the window closes and only if nobody has redeemed it.

The buyer has to send the owner notices before they can ask for a deed, so expect letters, and sometimes calls. The letters are real: they mean the clock is running. They don't mean you have to leave or let anyone in.

• Call the county auditor to confirm the sale and get the redemption deadline and amount.
• Keep paying current taxes if you can. Taxes the buyer pays for you are added to what it costs to redeem.
• Keep the house insured. It is still yours.

If the deadline passes without anyone redeeming, the buyer can get a tax deed from the court and the house becomes theirs. That is the date that matters. Write it down.

Free help with a property tax problem starts at the county treasurer and auditor. Our resources page lists other free and low cost help.

• How much does it cost to get a house back after a tax sale in Indiana?
• My parent's house sold at a tax sale. Is it too late?
• Can you sell a house after it went to a tax sale?

More: every question · inherited a house · taxes and tax sales · free help and how to look things up · all your options side by side

Thinking about selling? Call or text James at (219) 419-4114. He'll tell you whether he can make an offer.

General information about Indiana, not legal advice. Every case is different. Last checked November 2, 2026.