Tax Possessions and Upcoming Auctions

A “Tax Possession” is a property held by the City of Fall River after the Land Court Department of the Trial Court has entered a Decree of Foreclosure pursuant to the City’s filing of a Petition to Foreclose, or a property that has been deeded to the City in Lieu of Foreclosure. Once a parcel becomes a Tax Possession the City holds it free and clear of all mortgages, liens, and attachments. Less than 1% of all the tax parcels in the City of Fall River will ever become a Tax Possession.

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60, § 77B the Custodian of Tax Possessions shall have the care, custody, management, and control of all Tax Possessions acquired by the City of Fall River. The Custodian of Tax Possessions is appointed by the Mayor. In Fall River, the Custodian of Tax Possessions has traditionally been the City Administrator. Further, pursuant to Section 77B, the Custodian of Tax Possessions, acting on behalf of the City of Fall River, may, notwithstanding any provision of law, ordinance, or by-law inconsistent herewith, sell at public auction any Tax Possession of the City of Fall River.

If a Tax Possession contains less than the minimum square footage required to be considered a buildable lot in the City of Fall River it may be offered for sale through the Abutters Lots Program. For more information about the City’s Abutters Lots Program please see Section 42-144 of the City of Fall River Code of ordinances.

Pursuant to Section 42-146 of the City of Fall River Code of Ordinance, parcels for which a decree of foreclosure or deed in lieu has been received by the Treasurer between January 1 and June 30, and all parcels remaining from the prior Abutters Lots Program sale, shall be auctioned in the following October. All parcels for which a decree of foreclosure or deed in lieu has been received by the Treasurer between July 1 and December 31, and all parcels remaining from the prior Abutters Lots Program sale shall be auctioned in the following April. All auctions are advertised on the City’s website and in the Fall River.

Tax Possession Auction Postponed

The Tax Possession Auction scheduled for 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in the Atrium at Government Center is hereby postponed.

The postponement will allow the City to verify the square footage of the parcel at 243 Lynwood Street that was scheduled to be auctioned. The City will announce the new date and time of the Tax Possession Auction at a later date.

For further information please contact the City Treasurer’s Office at (508) 324-2260.