Rhode Island § 44-9-38 - Tax Sales

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 44-9-38 — Tax Sales, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 44-9-38. Tax Sales

R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-9-38

§ 44-9-38. Purchase by city or town at sale without foreclosure.

If no person bids at a sale, or if no bid deemed adequate by the treasurer is made at a sale, the treasurer shall then and there make public declaration of the fact, and if no bid or no bid deemed adequate is then made, the treasurer shall give public notice that the treasurer purchases the land for the city or town by which the tax is assessed; or if the person to whom the land is sold does not within ten (10) days pay to the treasurer the sum bid by him or her, the sale shall be void and the city or town shall be deemed to be the purchaser of the land. If the city or town becomes the purchaser, the treasurer shall execute to it a deed, which shall set forth the fact that no bid or no bid deemed adequate was made at the sale, or that the purchaser failed to pay the amount bid, as the case may be. The deed shall not be valid unless recorded within sixty (60) days after the sale under this section, and the title of the city or town to land conveyed shall be absolute upon the recording of the deed in the proper registry of deeds within sixty (60) days (Form 14).

History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 32, § 55; P.L. 1946, ch. 1800, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 44-9-38.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 44-9-38

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 44-9-38 cover?

Section 44-9-38 ("Tax Sales") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 44-9-38?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 44-9-38" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 44-9-38 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.