Missouri Revised Statutes Title X. Taxation and Revenue § 141.850. Collector to file suit to collect taxes--service

1. If any of the lands or town lots contained in the back tax book or list of delinquent lands or lots remain unredeemed on the first day of January, the collector shall file suit in the circuit court against such lands or lots to enforce the lien of the state and city.

2. The collector shall note opposite such tract in the back tax book the fact that suit has been commenced and the person against whom commenced.

3. When summons has been issued against any defendant and the officer to whom it is directed makes return that the defendant cannot be found, and the court is satisfied that summons cannot be served; and in all cases where it is alleged in the petition or in an affidavit subsequently filed, that the defendants or any one of them are nonresidents of the state of Missouri, the court or clerk of the court in vacation shall issue an order that notice of such action be given the defendant by publication.

4. The proof of publication may be made by filing in the court an affidavit of the publisher of the newspaper or of any person who would be a competent witness in the cause.

5. If the defendant does not appear and defend, judgment by default shall be rendered, which judgment shall be as binding and effectual against the property as if there had been personal service on the defendant.