Collector FAQ’s

Tax Sale FAQ’s

What is a tax sale?

A tax sale is an auction of parcels of property that have delinquent taxes.

What is the date and time of the annual tax sale auction?

Butler County’s annual tax sale auction is the 4th Monday of August and begins at 10 a.m. on the Butler County Courthouse steps.

Where and when will the auction/sale be advertised?

The parcels up for tax sale will be published 3 times in local print news media, in The Daily American Republic.

When are tax sales advertised?

The auction list is first published approximately 3 weeks before the sale.

How and when do you register for the tax sale auctions?

There is a registration and affidavit form online.

Is it possible to register by mail?

No, you can not register by mail.

What type of payment is required at auction?

Either cash or money order is due at time of sale.

What type of bidding process are used?

This is an open public auction.

Will all other liens be cleared from the property as a result of the sale?

No, all liens remain on the property and it’s the buyer’s responsibility to take care of those with each entity.

Is there a redemption period before I can take possession once a property is acquired through your tax sale. If so, what is the redemption period?

The new owner cannot take possession of the property until 1 year from the date the confirmation of sale is filed.

If there is a redemption period, does the investor earn interest during the redemption period? If so, what is the annual interest rate?

There is an annual interest rate of 10% earned on the property during the redemption period.

 

If a foreclosure is necessary, will the county assist in this matter?

No, the county does not assist with foreclosures.

Will I receive a document to verify the purchase? Will it be a deed or a certificate of lien?

You will receive a receipt showing the amount you paid. At the end of the redemption period, the county will issue a collector’s deed.

Do you allow investors to invest at your tax sales without attending the tax sale?

No, we do not allow these investments.

Is a current list of available properties or liens available?

The available properties are published 2 to 3 weeks before the tax sale. You may obtain a copy by contacting the newspaper.

Is a copy of the county and state statutes and rules regarding the tax sale available for purchase?

Yes, you can get those for $5 per book in the Collector’s Office.

Can I get a list of properties whose redemption period has already expired?

There are no properties available.

When will the list of unsold /unbid-on property be available?

If there is any property that wasn’t sold or bid on will be available in the next year’s tax sale. After it’s been published 3 years, it may be sold over the counter.

Collector’s Office FAQ’s

How do I change my mailing address?

You may update your mailing address in 1 of the following 3 ways:
– Contact the Butler County Assessor of Property at 573-686-8084.
– Complete the address change request on the back of tax payment coupon included with your tax billing statement, and submit it to the Collector’s Office along with your payment.
– View your tax record to submit an address change request.

Once we receive your request, we will contact you for confirmation and additional information.

I sold my property in May. Why am I getting the tax bill?

Property tax notices are mailed to the owner of record as of January 1 of the tax year. If you receive a tax notice, but have sold your property, or if your taxes are paid by a mortgage company or someone else, please forward the notice to the person(s) responsible for payment.

 

What's the difference between Real Property and Personal Property?

Real property is the real estate (buildings and land). Personal Property is for assets used in a business (such as computers, desks, equipment, etc.) or assets owned by an individual (cars, boats, trailers, etc.).

 

When are property tax bills mailed out?

Typically, property tax statements are mailed on November 1 of each year. Property tax bills are mailed to the owner of record (as of January 1). If a deed change occurs after the 1st of the year, a tax bill is mailed to the new owner of the property as a courtesy.

New owners should contact their title company or review their closing statement to determine who is responsible for paying the taxes. Payment of property tax depends on when the property is transferred.

What time of year are property taxes due?

Taxes are due and payable the 1st of November and may be paid through December 31 of the same year without penalty and interest.

What happens if I miss the tax payment deadline?

From the 1st day of each month beginning January 1, interest and penalty is added to the amount due.

What time period do my annual taxes cover?

Current year taxes become payable when statements are sent out, and they are for the calendar period of January 1 through December 31 of the current year.

Where can my tax bill be paid in person?

The Collector’s Office is on the 1st floor of the Butler County Courthouse located at 100 North Main Street, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Does my mortgage company get a copy of my tax bill mailed to them?

Yes, if the mortgage company requests a copy of your tax bill, they will get one. If the mortgage company didn’t request a copy, then a statement will be mailed to the property owner and it’s the owner’s responsibility to forward tax bills to their mortgage company.

Property Info & Assessment FAQ’s

Is there a charge for reviewing information about my property?

For an individual property, there is no charge for reviewing tax information.

 

Is my property information viewable by other people?

Any individual or company is allowed to review this information. Property tax information is public record.

 

Where can I find information about the assessed value of my property?

The county assessor is responsible for the appraisal and assessment of property. You may contact the county assessor’s office at 573-686-8084.

 

How are the county assessor's office and the collector's office related?

The County Assessor is responsible for the appraisal and assessment of property, according to state law. The Collector’s Office is responsible for billing and collection of taxes based on assessments. The collector has no authority over the amount of assessment, nor can she be involved in the appraisal process.

I received a questionnaire for a family member that is deceased. What do I do?
Appointments can be made by contacting the assessor’s office. The appeal process begins in the county assessor’s office by appearing before the Local Board of Equalization. For more information, visit our Assessment Appeals Page.