The Biennial Scavenger Sale (conducted in odd-numbered years), offers taxes on properties that have delinquencies of two or more years that were not purchased at the annual tax sales. In Cook County, the sale has traditionally taken place in the fall or early winter months.

The tax certificates sold here are sold to the highest dollar bidder no matter how much is owed.

Successful bidders can acquire the deed to a property if owners don't redeem the taxes in six months.

If a property is redeemed then the certificate holder's bid money is returned by the county with an interest rate of approximately 1.5% per month.

The next Scavenger Tax Sale will be held in 2009.