A tax sale can be defined as the selling of a property by tax authorities when the owner has failed to pay his/her outstanding property taxes. The sale can be held by public auction, by public tender or by sealed bids. Usually, the successful purchaser acquires immediate title and possession of the property.

The proceeds of the sale are used to pay the unpaid taxes and other expenses that were incurred in listing the property. The balance, if any, is usually given to the delinquent taxpayer.