Tax forfeited land, managed and offered for sale by St. Louis County, is land that has forfeited to and is now owned by the State of Minnesota for the non-payment of taxes.
A list of land for potential sale is prepared by the Land & Minerals Department and submitted for County Board approval. State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approval is also necessary for certain parcels (on water, mineral potential, etc). Once approved, properties are sold at public auction to the highest bidder. Three public auctions and several private adjoining owner auctions are held each year. If a property does not sell at auction, it may be available over-the-counter, on a first come, first served basis, or offered through an online auction.
The County may reoffer individual unsold tracts at periodically adjusted prices, based on market conditions, to the general public on an over-the-counter listing or online auction until the tracts are sold or withdrawn. Adjoining owners will not be re-notified when such price adjustments occur. It is the sole responsibility of any prospective buyer to monitor any potential price adjustments.