Escrow & Title

A property sold at a tax sale in Illinois creates a tax lien certificate (not a deed). The original owner typically has the right to:

ANo right to reclaim the property after the tax sale
BRedeem the property within the statutory redemption period by paying the taxes owed plus interest and penalties✓ Correct
CImmediately re-sell the property even after the tax sale
DChallenge the tax assessment in court after the tax deed is issued

Explanation

In Illinois, when a property's taxes go unpaid, the county sells a tax lien (not title) at a tax sale. The property owner (or other persons with interest) have a statutory right of redemption — typically 2.5 years for most property — to reclaim the property by paying the delinquent taxes, interest, and penalties. Only after redemption expires can a tax deed petition proceed.

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