So you want to find a tax lien auction near you?
I hear you, and smart move!
Tax lien investing can be a powerful strategy for building wealth, but first, you’ve got to actually find where these auctions are happening.
Here’s the thing: Unlike traditional real estate listings that are plastered all over Zillow and Realtor.com, tax lien auctions aren’t exactly advertised on billboards. They’re happening all around the country, but you need to know where to look.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to locate tax lien auctions in your area, what to expect when you find them, and how to position yourself to participate. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Tax Lien Auctions (Quick Version)
Before we get into the “how to,” let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what a tax lien auction and tax lien actually are.
When property owners don’t pay their property taxes, the county or municipality places a lien on that property.
To recover those unpaid taxes, the government holds an auction where investors can purchase those liens.
As the investor, you’re essentially paying the property owner’s tax bill up front, and they owe you that money back with interest.
The interest rates? They’re typically set by state law and can range anywhere from 8%–36% depending on where you are.
Not too shabby, right?
Now, here’s where it gets interesting…
If the property owner doesn’t pay you back within a certain timeframe (usually 1 to 3 years), you could potentially foreclose on the property and take ownership. That’s the big prize some investors are after. If you want to dive deeper into how tax lien and tax deed investing works, check out Public Auction Profits, which covers everything you need to know about earning income through these strategies. And if you’re wondering whether the program is legitimate, here’s the truth about whether Public Auction Profits is a scam.
Why Finding Local Auctions Matters
You might be wondering, “Can’t I just invest in tax liens anywhere?”
Technically, yes. But there are some solid reasons to start local, especially when you’re finding your investor groove as a new real estate investor:
- You can inspect properties in person. Buying a tax lien sight unseen is risky business. When you’re investing locally, you can actually drive by the property, check out the neighborhood, and get a feel for whether it’s worth your investment.
- You understand the local market. You already know which neighborhoods are up-and-coming, which areas have strong demand, and where property values are heading. That local knowledge is invaluable.
- Easier logistics. If you need to deal with redemptions, foreclosures, or any legal matters, it’s way simpler when everything is happening in your backyard.
That said, once you get comfortable with the process, expanding to other markets can absolutely be part of your strategy. But for now? Let’s focus on finding auctions near you.
Step 1: Start with Your County Tax Collector’s Office
This is your ground zero for finding tax lien auctions. Every county in the United States has a tax collector’s office (sometimes called the treasurer’s office), and they’re the ones running these auctions.
Here’s how to find them:
Google is your friend. Search for “[Your County Name] + tax collector” or “[Your County Name] + treasurer.” For example, “Orange County Florida tax collector” or “Maricopa County treasurer.”
Visit their website. Once you find the official county website, look for sections labeled “Tax Sales,” “Tax Lien Sales,” “Tax Deed Sales,” or “Public Auctions.” These pages typically contain everything you need to know.
Check for auction schedules. Most counties post their auction dates, lists of available properties, and registration requirements right on their websites. Some update these lists weekly or monthly, so bookmark the page and check back regularly.
Sign up for notifications. Many counties offer email lists or newsletters that alert you when new auctions are scheduled. This is a game-changer because you won’t miss opportunities.
Pro tip: Not all states sell tax liens. Some states sell tax deeds instead, which means you’re buying the actual property, not just the lien. Make sure you understand which type of sale your state conducts.
Step 2: Use Online Auction Platforms
The digital age has made finding tax lien auctions ridiculously easier than it used to be. Several online platforms now host auctions for multiple counties across the country.
Here are the major players:
Bid4Assets.com is one of the largest platforms for government auctions. It partners with counties nationwide to host online tax sales. You can search by state and county to find upcoming auctions in your area.
GovEase is another popular platform that’s modernizing how counties conduct tax sales. It handles everything from registration to bidding, making the process more user-friendly for investors.
RealAuction (also called RealForeclose) is used by many counties, particularly in Texas and other states. It provides a complete online bidding system.
Auctions International works with counties primarily in the northeastern United States.
The beauty of these platforms? You can often participate in auctions from the comfort of your home. No need to show up in person at some county building at 8 a.m. on a Tuesday.
Step 3: Check State-Specific Resources
Each state handles tax sales differently, and many states have centralized resources to help you find auctions.
For example, California has the State Controller’s Office website that lists public auctions for tax-defaulted properties across all counties. Arizona has a similar system through their county treasurer websites.
Do a quick search for “[Your State] + tax lien certificate sales” or “[Your State] + tax deed sales” to see if your state offers a centralized resource.
Some states are better than others when it comes to organizing this information, but it’s worth checking.
Step 4: Network with Other Investors
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: The tax lien investing community is incredibly helpful.
Join local real estate investment groups, attend meetups, and connect with other investors who are already doing tax lien deals in your area. They can tell you which counties have the best auctions, which ones to avoid, and insider tips that you won’t find on any government website. If you’re in Alabama, for example, you might want to check out the best markets to wholesale real estate in Alabama to understand which areas have the most active investor communities.
You can also join online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to tax lien investing. These communities share information about upcoming auctions, strategies, and even specific properties worth bidding on.
Step 5: Contact the County Directly
Sometimes, the best information comes from picking up the phone or sending an email.
County tax collectors are public servants, and part of their job is helping citizens (including investors like you) understand the auction process. Don’t be shy about reaching out with questions like:
- When is your next tax lien auction?
- How do I register to participate?
- What are the bidding procedures?
- What documents do I need to bring?
- Are auctions held online or in person?
Most offices have dedicated staff who handle auction inquiries, and they’re usually happy to walk you through the process.
What to Know Before You Bid
Okay, so you’ve found an auction near you. Awesome! But before you start bidding, there are a few things you need to understand:
Registration requirements vary. Some counties require you to register weeks in advance. Others let you register the day of the auction. Almost all require you to provide identification and sometimes proof of funds.
Deposits are often required. Many counties require bidders to submit a deposit (anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars) before you can participate. This ensures serious bidders only.
Payment terms are strict. If you win a bid, you typically need to pay in full immediately or within 24 to 48 hours. Have your financing lined up before the auction. If you’re looking for creative ways to fund your real estate investments without breaking the bank, you might want to explore the 0% funding strategy that many successful investors use.
Do your homework on properties. Just because a property is at auction doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. Research the property, check for other liens, and understand what you’re getting into.
Remember: you’re buying these “as is” with no guarantees. Learning how to source quality real estate leads can help you identify promising opportunities before auction day. If you’re looking to build a more systematic approach to finding deals, you might also want to understand why you’re not getting leads from your real estate website and how to fix that.
Interest rates differ by location. The rate you can earn varies by state and sometimes by county. Some states allow bidding down on the interest rate (meaning investors compete by accepting lower returns), while others use different bidding methods. If you’re interested in understanding returns on other types of real estate investments, learning how to calculate ROI on a mortgage note can give you valuable perspective on different investment vehicles.
Your Next Steps
Finding a tax lien auction near you is just the beginning. Once you locate auctions in your area, here’s what you should do:
Attend an auction as an observer first. Before you start bidding, go to an auction and watch how it works. You’ll learn the process, see how experienced investors operate, and get comfortable with the environment.
Start small. Your first few purchases should be smaller liens on properties in decent neighborhoods. Don’t go swinging for the fences on your first at-bat. If you’re just getting started in real estate investing and worried about capital, check out these low-cost real estate investing methods that don’t require massive up-front investments.
Keep learning. Tax lien investing has nuances that vary by state and county. Read books, take courses, and stay educated on the laws and procedures in your area.
Build your war chest. You’ll need cash available to purchase liens and potentially handle any issues that arise. Make sure you’re financially prepared before diving in.
The Bottom Line
Finding a tax lien auction near you isn’t complicated once you know where to look. Start with your county tax collector’s website, check out online auction platforms, and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call the county directly.
The key is to be proactive and adopt an attitude of always learning. Auctions happen on set schedules, and if you miss registration deadlines or don’t stay informed, you’ll miss out on opportunities.
Tax lien investing can be incredibly rewarding when done right. You could earn solid returns, and there’s even the possibility of acquiring property at a fraction of its value. But like any investment strategy, it requires education, patience, and due diligence. In fact, understanding why high interest rates create opportunity can help you time your tax lien investments even more strategically.
So what are you waiting for? Start searching for your local tax lien auctions today. Your future real estate portfolio might thank you for it.