What is certified delinquent?
A property whose unpaid tax the county has formally certified, usually after a year or more. The step before a tax lien sale or tax foreclosure in many states.
Why it matters to an investor
A certified delinquent parcel has been formally certified by the county as owing past-due tax, usually after a year or more. It is the step before a tax lien sale or tax foreclosure in many states.
How investors use it
- Use it as a stronger filter than 'owes any tax'.
- Sort by number of years certified.
- Know your state's next step.
A real example
Right now Franklin County, OH has 26,476 certified delinquent properties in its county records (refreshed weekly). See the Franklin County list →
Questions
Is certified delinquent worse than delinquent?
It is later in the process: the county has formally acted on the debt.
Do all states use the term?
No. Ohio does; other states use different words for a similar stage.
How we make these guides
Written by the LeadCounty editorial and data team from official county, court and state sources and our own weekly counts. We name the office behind every number, say what we cannot see, and fix mistakes when you tell us. See our editorial standards and methodology. General information, not legal or financial advice. Refreshed weekly.
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