I just brought up the forum to post regarding delinquent taxes & I find that there are 3 related post already.  Interesting!!!! 
My post was related to Kurt's post.  Several counties are opting to sell their delinquent taxes to third parties, rather then deal with foreclosure proceedings.  They get the money they are owed & don't have the hassel of foreclosure. 
The problem arises with how this information is posted to the public & the abstractors trying to provide the best information to their client. 
It has been our experience that every county seems to do it differently.  In some cases you look at the tax print & everything shows paid.  No indication what-so-ever that the taxes were sold.  Some indicate "tax sale", some indicate "sold".  Some give very good information in big letters so everyone will notice. 
In one county in Ohio, on the treasurers computers the taxes showed paid on one parcel, but delinquent on the two adjoining vacant parcels.  The abstractor reported as such, only to discover that the taxes on the parcel with the house had actually been sold.  When the treasurer was questioned --the answer was "Well sometimes we don't put it in that system"  We are starting to put it on our "on-line system".  The good abstractors in this county never look at the on-line info---because it is often incorrect.  However now they will have to look in both systems & hope that together they will get valid information.
My advise to abstractors in any area--------You need to find out if your county is selling their delinquent taxes & find out the procedure & how you are suppose to locate this information. 
Also I always advise my abstractors to send a tax print with their searches.  Even if the client doesn't ask for it.  It will be worth what ever you have to pay for the copy if there is ever a problem later on.  In those areas where we have to call to get the information over the phone, we do what Robert suggested & put a statement on the search & the number that the client can call for verification. 
Wanda Steudel
AccuSearch Co.