Tyler v. Hennepin County
2023A U.S. Supreme Court case holding that a government cannot keep the surplus value of a property beyond the tax debt.
AK
Alaska
Tax Deed
Alaska tax deed auctions are conducted by individual municipalities following a judicial foreclosure process. After a one-year redemption period, the municipality may sell the property via public auction. The winning bidder receives a quitclaim deed, and the municipality provides no warranty of title, often necessitating a quiet title action to establish marketability.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 30 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax deed
- Redemption period
- 1 year (pre-sale)
- Sale frequency
- Annually (varies)
- Minimum bid
- Taxes + costs
- Deed type
- Quitclaim
- Bidder deposit
- Varies (often 25%)
- Post-sale redemption
- None
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Deed |
| Redemption Period | The municipality holds foreclosed properties for at least one year following the foreclosure judgment. During this time, the former owner or interested parties may redeem the property by paying all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs. Additionally, the former record owner has a right to repurchase the property at any time before the municipality sells it to a third party. |
| Penalty / Interest | Municipalities may impose a penalty not to exceed 20% of the tax due. Interest on unpaid taxes may not exceed 15% per year, accruing from the due date until paid in full. Specific rates are set by individual municipal ordinances. |
| Jurisdiction Type | Municipality |
| Jurisdiction Count | 0 |
| Typical Sale Month | Varies by municipality, typically fall or winter |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Auctions are conducted by individual municipalities, either via public outcry or online platforms. Bidders often must pre-register and provide a deposit, typically 25% of the bid amount. The minimum bid is generally the total of delinquent taxes, special assessments, penalties, interest, and administrative costs. Payment is usually required in certified funds within a short deadline, such as 15 days.
Post-sale obligations
The winning bidder receives a quitclaim deed from the municipality. There is no post-sale redemption period. The purchaser assumes responsibility for the property immediately upon closing. Because the municipality provides no warranty of title, purchasers often initiate a quiet title action to establish marketability.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Alaska tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$7,000
Timeline8 mo.
Notable counties
Key Alaska counties for tax deed investors.
Municipality of Anchorage
High volume of properties and major urban center.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Frequently holds online tax foreclosure auctions with clear procedural documentation.
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Known for annual public outcry auctions.
How to bid at a Alaska tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Alaska tax deed sales.
- 1
Monitor borough websites
Regularly check the land management or tax department pages of target boroughs for upcoming sale lists.
- 2
Review sale brochures
Carefully read the specific terms, conditions, and property lists provided by the municipality for each auction.
- 3
Inspect the properties
Conduct personal inspections to assess physical condition, access, and potential environmental or zoning issues.
- 4
Pre-register for auction
Complete all required registration forms and submit the mandatory deposit by the specified deadline.
- 5
Submit competitive bids
Participate in the auction and submit bids according to the established rules.
- 6
Pay the balance
If successful, pay the remaining balance in certified funds within the timeframe mandated by the borough.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Alaska.
AS 29.45.330
Governs the requirements for publishing and mailing notice of foreclosure.
AS 29.45.400
Defines the one-year period during which the owner may redeem the property.
AS 29.45.470
Allows the former owner to repurchase the property before the municipality sells it.
AS 09.45.010
Provides the legal mechanism to resolve title disputes.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Alaska tax deed investors.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Alaska tax deed investors.
- The property owner has one year after the foreclosure judgment to redeem the property by paying all taxes, interest, and costs. Additionally, they may repurchase the property at any time before the municipality sells it to a third party.
- While not strictly required to take possession, it is highly recommended to clear the title for future sale or financing, as the municipality provides only a quitclaim deed.
- The municipality does not guarantee title. Risks include defective notice to interested parties, surviving federal or state liens, and breaks in the chain of title.
- If the municipality failed to follow statutory notice requirements, the sale could be set aside by a court.
- Procedures vary by borough; they may be in-person public outcry or online auctions. Always check the specific borough's sale brochure.
- Yes, and it is strongly advised. The municipality does not guarantee the condition of the property, and there are no returns.
How does Alaska's redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks should I know about?
What happens if the former owner challenges the sale?
How are auctions conducted?
Can I inspect properties before bidding?
Title Risk Flags
Properties are sold as-is. Risks include lack of warranty, potential for unextinguished federal or state liens, errors in the foreclosure notice process, environmental contamination, and physical access issues.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.