N.D. Cent. Code § 15-08-19
Property contracted to be sold by the state is subject to taxation from the date of the contract, and the taxes assessed thereon must be collected and enforced in the same manner as taxes against other property. If the contract is not canceled or if the contract has been canceled and the period of redemption has not yet run, the property upon which taxes are delinquent is subject to foreclosure of tax lien. After two years from the date the tax became due, and after notice of foreclosure has been given as required in title 57, on the date of foreclosure, the county shall acquire such rights and interests as belonged to the holder and owner of the contract issued under the provisions of this chapter and only such rights. The county may assign its rights and interest at any time, and the assignee shall have the rights given by this section to the county. No tax deed may be issued upon any tax sale certificate while the legal title to the lands remains in the state of North Dakota.
N.D.C.C. § 15-08-19