1. If, on the return day named in the summons, the personal defendant fails to appear and answer the complaint, his or her default may be entered and final judgment entered by the clerk, as in other civil cases, for the amount of taxes with penalties and costs as provided by law.
2. If, upon the return day, no person appears and answers for the real estate and improvements thereon, or for the improvements when assessed separately, then the default of the real estate and improvements thereon, or of the improvements when assessed separately, and of all owners of or claimants to the same, known or unknown, may be entered and final judgment rendered as in other civil cases.