Russell 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 Russell County, Kentucky.
Where to Bid on Russell County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Russell County are managed by the Russell County Clerk & Sheriff and hosted online via Russell County In-Person County Clerk Lottery / Sale Portal.
Russell County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Russell 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.
Russell County Delinquent Tax Bill Over-The-Counter Purchase (Over-The-Counter)
Parcels and certificates that receive no bids during the scheduled public auctions enter the county's permanent Delinquent Tax Bill Over-The-Counter Purchase inventory. Any citizen or investor can purchase these parcels directly from the Russell County Clerk & Sheriff over the counter for the delinquent taxes and fees owed, without competing in an auction.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Russell County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Russell 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 Russell County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Russell 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 In-Person County Clerk Lottery / Sale 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 12% Annual Statutory Interest + Attorney Fees cap to win the lien certificate.
Payment & Deed Issuance
Settle the remaining purchase balance within 24 hours. The Russell County Clerk & Sheriff issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Russell County Tax Sales
Is Russell County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Russell County follows the Kentucky Tax Lien statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning 12% Annual Statutory Interest + Attorney Fees statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Russell County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through In-Person County Clerk Lottery / Sale (https://kcoada.org). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Russell County? ▼
Unsold parcels are added to the Russell County Delinquent Tax Bill Over-The-Counter Purchase list. These properties can be acquired directly over-the-counter through the Russell County Clerk & Sheriff without an auction.