Tyler v. Hennepin County
2023A U.S. Supreme Court case that impacts how states handle excess proceeds from tax sales, influencing recent California legislative adjustments.
CA
California
Tax Deed
California is a tax deed state where counties auction tax-defaulted properties after a five-year delinquency period. There is no post-sale redemption; the right to redeem ends the business day before the auction. Bidders must register and often provide a deposit. Properties are sold 'as is,' and investors typically require quiet title actions to secure insurable title.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 58 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax deed
- Redemption period
- None post-sale
- Sale frequency
- Varies by county
- Minimum bid
- Taxes + costs
- Deed type
- Tax deed
- Bidder deposit
- $1,000–$5,000 typical
- Title risk
- High (as-is)
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Deed |
| Redemption Period | There is no post-sale redemption period in California. The former owner's right to redeem terminates at 5:00 p.m. on the last business day prior to the commencement of the tax sale. |
| Penalty / Interest | During the pre-sale delinquency period, a 10% penalty is added to delinquent taxes, and interest accrues at a rate of 1.5% per month on the unpaid tax amount. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 58 |
| Typical Sale Month | Varies by county; sales occur throughout the year at the discretion of the Treasurer-Tax Collector. |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Auctions are conducted by the county Treasurer-Tax Collector, either in-person or via online platforms. Bidders must register and typically provide a refundable deposit of $1,000–$5,000. The minimum bid is set by the Tax Collector, usually covering at least the delinquent taxes, penalties, and costs. Winning bidders must pay the full purchase price within a few business days via wire transfer or certified funds.
Post-sale obligations
The purchaser receives a Tax Deed to Purchaser and is responsible for the property immediately upon transfer. Possession can be taken after the deed is recorded. Properties are sold 'as is,' and the purchaser assumes all risks regarding condition and title, as certain liens like federal tax liens may survive the sale.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a California tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$6,000
Timeline6 mo.
Notable counties
Key California counties for tax deed investors.
Los Angeles County
Features the highest volume of sales and properties in the state.
Riverside/San Bernardino
High volume counties that frequently utilize online auction platforms.
Recent statutory changes
- SB 288 (Effective April 2026) adjusts Chapter 8 processes regarding excess proceeds; AB 418 (Effective 2025) requires hearings before selling property to public agencies or nonprofits.
How to bid at a California tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in California tax deed sales.
- 1
Research property list
Review the county's list of tax-defaulted properties and conduct due diligence.
- 2
Register for auction
Complete the required registration on the county's designated auction portal.
- 3
Submit bid deposit
Provide the mandatory refundable deposit by the county's specified deadline.
- 4
Submit bids
Place bids during the active auction window on the county's platform.
- 5
Pay balance
Submit the full purchase price and applicable transfer taxes within the county's required timeframe.
- 6
Record deed
Receive and record the Tax Deed to Purchaser to finalize the transfer of ownership.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in California.
Governs the power of the tax collector to sell tax-defaulted property.
Defines the termination of the right of redemption.
Specifies the effect of the tax deed and surviving encumbrances.
Sets the one-year statute of limitations for challenging a tax sale.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting California tax deed investors.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from California tax deed investors.
- The redemption period occurs before the sale. It ends at 5:00 p.m. on the last business day before the auction.
- While not strictly required by law to own the property, it is usually necessary to obtain title insurance for future resale.
- Properties are sold 'as is.' Some liens, such as federal tax liens or certain special assessments, may survive the sale.
- Challenges based on alleged invalidity must be filed within one year of the deed recording.
- Auctions are held by the county Treasurer-Tax Collector, either in-person or via online platforms.
- Yes, but you must obtain permission from the owner or follow local trespassing laws; the county does not provide access.
How does California's redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks should a buyer know?
What happens if the former owner challenges the sale?
How are auctions conducted?
Can I inspect properties?
Title Risk Flags
Properties are sold 'as-is' with no warranties on condition or access; certain liens like federal tax liens may survive the tax deed.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.