North Dakota Century Code Title 57. Taxation § 57-28-15. Annual sale at auction--Sale price--Terms of payment

1. Each parcel of land must be sold at auction to the highest qualified bidder for no less than the minimum sale price as fixed before the sale. The sale may be made either for cash or one-fourth of the purchase price in cash, and the balance in equal annual installments over a period of not more than ten years. The purchaser may pay any or all annual installments with interest before the agreed due date of the installments.

2. If the sale is for cash, the purchaser shall promptly pay the amount bid to the county treasurer.

3. If the purchase price is to be paid in installments, the purchaser shall pay the first installment to the county treasurer and be given a contract for deed setting forth the terms of the sale. The contract for deed must be executed by the purchaser, the chairman of the board of county commissioners, and the county auditor. The contract must give the county the right to cancel the contract by resolution and due notice upon default by the purchaser.

4. The original contract for deed must be filed with the county treasurer, who shall record upon it all payments made by the purchaser. The interest rate for the contract must be established by the board of county commissioners at no more than twelve percent.

5. Upon completion of a cash sale or payments under a contract for deed, the county auditor shall execute and deliver a deed conveying to the purchaser the entire interest of the county in the property.

6. Upon the execution and delivery of the deed or contract for deed, the property becomes taxable to the purchaser.

7. A person is unqualified to be the highest bidder for property if the person owes delinquent taxes to any county.