PROPERTY TAX-TAX SALE

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the penalty that must be paid to redeem property sold at a tax sale includes (i) a fee of $100 (now, $35) if a petition for tax deed has been filed; (ii) a fee of $10 (now, $4) if a notice of sale and redemption rights has been filed; and (iii) up to $125 paid for costs of title insurance and to identify and locate owners and interested parties to the subject real estate. Provides that the purchaser or his or her assignee shall give the notice of expiration of the period of redemption for property sold at a tax sale by, in addition to other requirements, causing the notice to be served by a process server or sheriff (now, a sheriff). In provisions requiring the court to insist on strict compliance with notice provisions when ordering the issuance of a tax deed, provides that the court shall consider only noncompliance that has or may have had a material effect upon the right of redemption of any interested party. Provides that the tax deed order is prima facie evidence of compliance with applicable law. Effective January 1, 2004.