DeKalb County Public Auctions & Sheriff Sales
Comprehensive guide to county sheriff foreclosure auctions, tax deeds, tax lien certificates, over-the-counter land purchases, and surplus funds in DeKalb County, Indiana.
Where to Bid on DeKalb County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for DeKalb County are managed by the DeKalb County Treasurer & Auditor and hosted online via DeKalb County SRI Services Online Auction Portal.
DeKalb County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Civil Division conducts regular public foreclosure auctions ordered by the Circuit or Superior Court to satisfy mortgage default judgments, construction liens, and civil court executions.
DeKalb County Commissioner Certificate Sale (OTC) (Over-The-Counter)
Parcels and certificates that receive no bids during the scheduled public auctions enter the county's permanent Commissioner Certificate Sale (OTC) inventory. Any citizen or investor can purchase these parcels directly from the DeKalb County Treasurer & Auditor over the counter for the delinquent taxes and fees owed, without competing in an auction.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in DeKalb County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in DeKalb County for more than the outstanding taxes, penalties, and administrative fees, the resulting funds are termed excess proceeds (surplus funds). By law, these funds belong to the former property owner or their legal heirs.
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4 Steps to Bid on Properties in DeKalb County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the DeKalb County delinquent tax list published 4–6 weeks prior to the sale. Perform title searches on Parcel ID numbers to identify superior federal liens or mortgages.
Bidder Registration & Deposit
Register on SRI Services Online Auction at least 48 hours prior to auction start. Deposit required bidder funds (often 5% of anticipated bid budget or flat $200 deposit).
Auction Bidding Strategy
Bid down the interest rate from the statutory 10% to 15% Statutory Return (+5% on Overbid) cap to win the lien certificate.
Payment & Deed Issuance
Settle the remaining purchase balance within 24 hours. The DeKalb County Treasurer & Auditor issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: DeKalb County Tax Sales
Is DeKalb County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
DeKalb County follows the Indiana Tax Lien statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning 10% to 15% Statutory Return (+5% on Overbid) statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy DeKalb County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through SRI Services Online Auction (https://sriservices.com). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in DeKalb County? ▼
Unsold parcels are added to the DeKalb County Commissioner Certificate Sale (OTC) list. These properties can be acquired directly over-the-counter through the DeKalb County Treasurer & Auditor without an auction.