Lawrence County delays 2025 upset tax sale to Oct. 24 after certified-mail issue

Brian Burick, director of the Lawrence County Tax Claim Bureau, told the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 that the county will continue the 2025 upset real-estate tax sale originally advertised for Sept. 26 to Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Courtroom 1 at the Lawrence County Government Center. Burick said the change was necessary after technical problems with new bureau software prevented required certified-mail 30-day notices from being delivered to all owners of properties with 2023 delinquent real-estate taxes. "The upset tax sale ... will be continued to a new date," Burick said, adding the bureau can continue the sale as long as it is held by the end of the calendar year under the Pennsylvania real estate tax sale law.

Burick said the sale will begin at 10 a.m. and that all 2023 and prior taxes must be paid by Oct. 23, 2025, for owners to avoid the sale. He also said potential bidders must preregister and provide a $500 deposit during the week of September and that no bidder registrations will be accepted after Sept. 12. Burick said details and the list of properties remain available on the county website and that the bureau will post an updated legal notice and update its counter and website the same day.

Commissioners responded with support for giving property owners additional time and Burick said the statement had been reviewed and approved by the county solicitor. Burick provided contact information for taxpayers: (724) 656-2125 or taxclaim@lawrencecountypa.gov, and said the office will provide the notice to local media and make printed lists available at the Tax Claim office.

The move postpones a publicly advertised sale rather than canceling it; Burick said the continuation is permitted under state law and is intended to ensure required notice reached affected taxpayers.