Property tax delinquency and tax sales: A review of the literature

Property tax delinquency and tax sales have not been the subject of extensive research since the Great Depression. Yet there are a number of good reasons-including evidence of increasing delinquency nationwide-to review what is known about noncollection of property taxes. This article examines the literature on delinquency and tax sales. The extent of delinquency is discussed, along with its causes in interest rate variations, other economic fluctuations and government administration. Tax sale procedures are examined, then the determinants of tax lien supply, demand and tax sale success are discussed. The article concludes with the policy implications of the literature.