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.
DC
District of Columbia
Tax Deed
District of Columbia tax lien auctions are annual in-person events where investors bid on the right to collect delinquent taxes at an 18% annual interest rate. If the property owner fails to redeem within six months, the purchaser may initiate a judicial foreclosure in Superior Court to obtain the property deed.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 1 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax lien
- Redemption period
- 6 months minimum
- Sale frequency
- Annual (July)
- Interest rate
- 18% per annum
- Bidder deposit
- 20% of bid
- Minimum bid
- Taxes + costs
- Deed type
- Tax deed (post-foreclosure)
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Lien |
| Redemption Period | The redemption period is a minimum of six months following the date of the tax sale. Redemption remains possible until the court enters a final judgment of foreclosure. |
| Penalty / Interest | Interest accrues at 1.5% per month (18% per annum). Interest begins on the first day of the month following the sale and ceases upon redemption or cancellation. |
| Jurisdiction Type | Municipality |
| Jurisdiction Count | 1 |
| Typical Sale Month | July |
| Assessor Portal | https://mytax.dc.gov |
| GIS Portal | https://otr.cfo.dc.gov |
| Tax Portal | https://mytax.dc.gov |
Sale mechanics
The District holds in-person public auctions. Bidders must pre-register and provide a 20% deposit of the estimated purchase price. The minimum bid is the total amount of delinquent taxes, penalties, and costs. Full payment of the winning bid is required within 5 business days after the sale concludes.
Post-sale obligations
The purchaser receives a Certificate of Sale but does not gain possession or maintenance rights during the redemption period. The purchaser must comply with statutory notice requirements before filing a complaint in Superior Court to foreclose the right of redemption.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a District of Columbia tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$5,000
Timeline9 mo.
Notable counties
Key District of Columbia counties for tax deed investors.
District of Columbia
As the only jurisdiction, it is the sole location for all tax sales.
How to bid at a District of Columbia tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in District of Columbia tax deed sales.
- 1
Research properties
Review the annual tax sale list published by the OTR.
- 2
Register as bidder
Complete the required registration and provide necessary documentation to the OTR.
- 3
Post deposit
Submit a 20% deposit of the estimated purchase price.
- 4
Attend auction
Participate in the in-person auction to submit bids.
- 5
Pay balance
Settle the full winning bid amount within 5 business days.
- 6
Monitor redemption
Track the property status and wait the required 6-month period.
- 7
File foreclosure
Initiate a complaint in Superior Court if the property is not redeemed.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in District of Columbia.
Governs the authority of the Mayor to sell real property for delinquent taxes.
Outlines the public auction process and bidder requirements.
Details the process for filing a complaint to foreclose the right of redemption.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting District of Columbia tax deed investors.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from District of Columbia tax deed investors.
- The owner has at least six months to pay all taxes, interest, and costs to the OTR to redeem the property.
- You must file a Complaint to Foreclose the Right of Redemption in Superior Court to obtain title.
- Liens from other District agencies and code enforcement violations may survive the sale.
- The owner may contest the foreclosure in court; if the sale is found invalid, the purchaser receives a refund of the purchase price plus interest.
- They are in-person public auctions held by the Office of Tax and Revenue.
- There is no statutory right to inspect; purchasers act at their own risk.
How does the redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks exist?
What if the owner challenges the sale?
How are auctions conducted?
Can I inspect properties?
Title Risk Flags
Properties classified as Vacant or Blighted often carry significant code enforcement liens and environmental remediation liabilities that survive the tax sale.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.