Property tax foreclosure in Alaska

The property tax process in Alaska, step by step

1. Taxes become delinquent

   On the date your city or borough sets

   Each city or borough sets its own due and delinquency dates and mails tax statements by July 1. Once taxes are late, it can add a penalty of up to 20 percent of the tax and interest of up to 15 percent a year. Call your city or borough tax office early if you cannot pay, and ask what the exact rates and dates are where you live.

   Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.240, 29.45.250

2. Foreclosure list and court petition

   Once a year, for the prior year's unpaid taxes

   The city or borough files a petition and its foreclosure list in superior court, publishes the list for four weeks in a row, and mails you a notice within 10 days after the first publication. You can pay the taxes, penalty, interest and costs at any time up to the transfer. If you think the tax is wrong, you can file an answer with the court within 30 days after the last publication.

   Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.330, 29.45.340, 29.45.370

3. Judgment and transfer to the city or borough

   After the court rules

   The court enters a judgment foreclosing the tax lien, and a certified copy of the judgment transfers the property to the city or borough for the amount of the lien. Your right to buy it back starts here.

   Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.380, 29.45.390

4. Redemption period

   At least 1 year after the transfer

   You can redeem by paying the amount in the judgment plus penalties, interest and costs. Foreclosure does not take away your right to live in the home during the redemption period, unless you damage the property.

   Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.400, 29.45.430

5. Final notice and deed

   Your right ends 30 days after the first notice runs

   At least 30 days before the redemption period ends, the clerk publishes an expiration notice for four weeks and mails a copy to you by certified mail. If you do not redeem, the property is deeded to the city or borough, and after two years the deed can no longer be challenged.

   Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.440, 29.45.450

6. Buying the home back after the deed

   Up to 10 years, until it is sold or kept for public use

   The record owner at the time of foreclosure can still repurchase the property by paying the judgment amount, interest of up to 15 percent a year, later taxes, and the city's or borough's costs. This right ends once the city or borough sells the property or passes an ordinance keeping it for a public purpose. You must be mailed notice of the hearing on that ordinance by certified mail.

   Alaska Stat. §§ 29.45.460, 29.45.470

7. Your share of the sale money

   File a claim within 6 months of the sale

   If the city or borough sells the home within 10 years and never set it aside for public use, you are entitled to what is left after unpaid taxes, penalty, interest and its costs. It must mail you a notice of the amount and how to claim it, and a claim filed more than six months after the sale is barred by law.

   Alaska Stat. § 29.45.480(b)

Common questions in Alaska