D.C. Code § 47-1342.01

Whenever payment by check or other instrument on behalf of a real property is received prior to the tax sale, and the payment is refused by the drawee or the funds are not collected by the District, and, due to the tender of payment, the real property is not presented at the tax sale, the real property shall be deemed bid off to the District under § 47-1352 and may be subsequently sold under § 47-1353.