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