Failure to pay your taxes will allow them to be sold at the annual tax sale in November. After the sale takes place, additional penalties, interest (as much as 36% per year) and costs are added to the amount necessary to redeem your taxes through the County Clerks office. The state statutes control the legal responsibilities of the taxpayer and tax buyer. It is important to understand that at the tax sale your property is not being sold, only your delinquent taxes. In the event your taxes are sold, you will receive certified notice under the statute as to what actions you need to take. If you do not redeem your taxes in full at the end of the redemption period (usually 2-1/2 years), the tax buyer can actually acquire legal title to your property at that time.