Taitano v. Lujan
2005Discusses quiet title actions and the complexity of land title registration in Guam.
GU
Guam
Tax Deed
Guam operates as a single-jurisdiction tax deed system where delinquent real property is sold to the government by operation of law. Investors may purchase these properties at public auctions held by the Department of Revenue and Taxation. A one-year redemption period applies, after which a tax deed may be issued, typically requiring a quiet title action to perfect ownership.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 1 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax deed
- Redemption period
- 1 year
- Sale frequency
- As scheduled by DRT
- Minimum bid
- Taxes, penalties, and costs
- Jurisdiction count
- 1
- Deed type
- Tax deed
- Governing body
- Dept. of Revenue & Taxation
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Deed |
| Redemption Period | The former owner has a redemption period of one year after the date of the tax sale to redeem the property by paying the delinquent taxes, penalties, and costs. |
| Penalty / Interest | Interest and penalties are governed by the Real Property Tax Law, with rates set by administrative regulation and accumulating on the unpaid balance until the date of payment. |
| Jurisdiction Type | Municipality |
| Jurisdiction Count | 1 |
| Typical Sale Month | As needed |
| Assessor Portal | https://www.myguamtax.com |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | https://www.myguamtax.com |
Sale mechanics
Tax sales are conducted via public auction managed by the Department of Revenue and Taxation. Bidders must typically pre-register and provide proof of funds. The minimum bid is generally the amount of delinquent taxes, penalties, and costs, and payment must be made in certified funds to the Treasurer of Guam.
Post-sale obligations
The winning bidder receives a tax deed after the redemption period expires and all legal requirements are met. The purchaser assumes responsibility for the property upon receiving the deed and must ensure all statutory requirements for the deed are satisfied. The primary risk is the former owner's right to redeem within the one-year period.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Guam tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$5,000
Timeline9 mo.
How to bid at a Guam tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Guam tax deed sales.
- 1
Monitor Public Notices
Regularly check the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation website for tax sale announcements.
- 2
Conduct Due Diligence
Perform a thorough title search and physical inspection of the property.
- 3
Register for Auction
Complete all required pre-registration forms as specified in the official sale notice.
- 4
Submit Required Deposit
Provide the necessary certified funds as a deposit to qualify for bidding.
- 5
Participate in Auction
Attend the public auction and submit bids according to the established rules.
- 6
Pay Winning Balance
Remit the full payment in certified funds to the Treasurer of Guam by the specified deadline.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Guam.
Establishes the Real Property Tax Law.
Governs tax liens on real property.
Defines the redemption period after a tax sale.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Guam tax deed investors.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Guam tax deed investors.
- The former owner has one year from the date of the tax sale to redeem the property by paying all delinquent taxes, penalties, and costs.
- Yes, a quiet title action in the Superior Court of Guam is generally necessary to establish clear, marketable title after the redemption period expires.
- Risks include potential ancestral land claims, historical title defects, and the necessity of verifying the chain of title through the Department of Land Management.
- The challenge would be litigated in the Superior Court of Guam, where the court would determine the validity of the tax sale and the respective rights of the parties.
- Auctions are public events managed by the Department of Revenue and Taxation, with notices provided to the public in advance.
- While the government provides parcel information, physical inspection is the responsibility of the bidder and is highly recommended.
How does Guam's redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks should a buyer know?
What happens if the owner challenges the sale?
How are auctions conducted?
Can I inspect properties before bidding?
Title Risk Flags
Properties may be subject to complex land ownership issues, including ancestral land claims and potential environmental liabilities common in tropical island environments.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.