Oregon Property Owners Eligible for $4.9M Tax Foreclosure Settlement

The settlement stems from the lawsuits Gabbert v. Josephine County and Baker v. Baker County, currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Eligible class members include individuals who held ownership, mortgage, or lien interests in properties foreclosed by these specific counties between late 2017 and June 7, 2024. The settlement fund, totaling $4,919,409.99, is designated to compensate claimants for the equity remaining after taxes, fees, and costs were satisfied.

Claimants must submit their forms by November 30, 2026, to receive payment. While most eligible properties will result in a return of surplus proceeds plus interest, a specific subset of low-value, unsold properties in Columbia County will trigger a $3,000 pro-rata payment pool. Those who choose not to file a claim by the November deadline will lose their right to pursue these specific legal claims, while those seeking to opt out or formally object to the agreement must act by September 14, 2026. A final fairness hearing is scheduled for September 17, 2026, in Portland to evaluate the terms and legal fees.