Tax Sale Property Guides
Everything you need to research, evaluate, and invest in US tax sale properties — from first-time buyers to experienced investors.
Tax sale properties are real estate sold by counties when owners fail to pay property taxes. Some states sell tax lien certificates (the investor earns interest until the owner redeems), while others sell tax deeds (the property itself) or redeemable deeds (a deed subject to a redemption penalty). Minimum bids, interest rates, and redemption periods vary by state — always research before bidding.
How Tax Sales Work in the US
A complete overview of the US tax sale process — what triggers a sale, tax liens vs. tax deeds, how minimum bids are set, how to participate, and what you get at the end.
Read GuideDue Diligence for Tax Sale Properties
What to check before bidding: title searches, environmental liabilities, surviving liens, access, zoning, and county/sale-authority protocols.
Read GuideTax Sale Glossary
Definitions of key terms: minimum bid, tax lien certificate, tax deed, redeemable deed, redemption period, interest rate, parcel/APN, and more.
Read GuideTax Deed vs. Tax Lien
Side-by-side comparison of tax lien certificates, tax deeds, and redeemable deeds — returns, redemption periods, risks, and which states use each.
Read GuideFirst-Time Buyer's Guide
A 7-step guide for beginners: what to expect, how to research, how to bid, common mistakes, and a budget checklist.
Read GuideFrequently Asked Questions
20+ questions answered: What is a tax sale? What's the difference between a tax lien and tax deed? Can I inspect properties? What happens with liens?
Read GuideState-Specific Guides
In-depth guides covering tax sale rules, processes, and risks for major US states.
Florida Tax Sales
Tax lien certificate auctions (max 18%), the 2-year redemption period, and county Clerk of Court tax deed sales.
Read GuideTexas Tax Sales
Redeemable tax deeds, first-Tuesday sheriff/constable auctions, and the 25–50% redemption penalty.
Read GuideGeorgia Tax Sales
Redeemable tax deeds, the 12-month redemption period, the 20% premium, and barment of redemption.
Read GuideArizona Tax Sales
Tax lien certificates (max 16%), February treasurer auctions, the 3-year redemption, and judicial foreclosure.
Read GuideIllinois Tax Sales
Annual tax lien sale with penalty bidding (up to 18% per period), redemption, and the tax deed petition process.
Read GuideNew Jersey Tax Sales
Municipal tax sale certificates, interest then premium bidding, and foreclosure after 2 years.
Read GuidePennsylvania Tax Sales
Tax Claim Bureau upset, judicial (free-and-clear), and repository sales — and how liens differ between them.
Read GuideCalifornia Tax Sales
Tax-defaulted property auctions, the 5-year default period, and redemption ending before the sale.
Read GuideOhio Tax Sales
Tax lien certificate sales (up to 18%) and tax foreclosure sheriff sales, with redemption rules for each.
Read GuideNew York Tax Sales
In rem tax foreclosure auctions under RPTL Article 11, redemption periods, and how NYC sells liens instead.
Read GuideBrowse by State
Each state has different tax sale rules. Click to browse listings.