If, within 180 days following the approval of the sale by the Auditor, the purchaser discovers that the property purchased at the sale is nonexistent, the purchaser shall submit the abstract or certificate of an attorney-at-law that the property is nonexistent. Upon receipt of the abstract or certificate, the Auditor cause the moneys so paid on the day of the sale to be refunded. Upon refund of the amount bid at an Auditor’s sale, he or she shall inform the assessor that the property does not exist for the purpose of having the assessor correct the error.

Terms Used In West Virginia Code 11A-3-53

  • Attorney-at-law: A person who is legally qualified and licensed to practice law, and to represent and act for clients in legal proceedings.
  • Auditor: whenever used in this chapter in connection with delinquent, nonentered, escheated or waste and unappropriated lands, shall be construed to refer to the Auditor in his capacity as state commissioner of delinquent and nonentered lands. See West Virginia Code 11A-3-33
  • Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.

If at any within 180 days following the approval of the sale by the Auditor, the sheriff, clerk of the county commission, assessor or Auditor determines that the tax lien on the subject property should be cancelled or dismissed, the Auditor shall issue a certificate of cancellation on the tax lien and shall cause the money paid on the day of the sale to be refunded.