Tyler v. Hennepin County
2023A U.S. Supreme Court case holding that a government taking more value than the tax debt owed violates the Takings Clause.
KS
Kansas
Tax Deed
Kansas is a judicial tax deed state where counties foreclose on tax-delinquent properties after a multi-year redemption period. Following the administrative bid-off to the county, properties are sold at public auction to the highest bidder. The winning bidder receives a Sheriff's Deed, which conveys title without warranty, necessitating potential quiet title action for insurability.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 105 |
| BS&A municipalities | 3 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax deed (judicial)
- Redemption period
- 1–3 years (pre-sale)
- Sale frequency
- Varies by county
- Minimum bid
- Taxes, interest, costs
- Deed type
- Sheriff's Deed
- Bidder deposit
- Varies (often none/affidavit)
- Post-sale redemption
- None
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Lien |
| Redemption Period | The redemption period occurs before the judicial foreclosure sale. Standard redemption is two years from the administrative sale date, three years for homestead property, and one year for abandoned property. There is no redemption period after the court confirms the judicial foreclosure sale. |
| Penalty / Interest | Interest is calculated based on the rate in K.S.A. 79-2968 plus a 5% adjustment. For 2026, the base rate is 8% (or 10% for delinquencies of $10,000 or more), resulting in a total rate of 13% or 15%. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 105 |
| Typical Sale Month | Varies by county; no statewide requirement. |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Public auctions are typically held in-person at the county courthouse, though some counties use online platforms. Bidders must register, often by submitting a sworn affidavit of eligibility. The minimum bid is the total of delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and costs. Payment is generally required in full via cash or certified funds on the day of the auction.
Post-sale obligations
The winning bidder receives a Sheriff's Deed after court confirmation and recording. The buyer is responsible for property maintenance upon taking title. If the former owner remains, the buyer must initiate legal eviction procedures. Sales can be challenged for procedural defects, which may result in the court setting aside the sale and ordering a refund.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Kansas tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$3,500
Timeline6 mo.
Notable counties
Key Kansas counties for tax deed investors.
Johnson County
High-volume, major metro area with structured procedures.
Sedgwick County
Major metro area with clear online resources for foreclosure alerts.
Shawnee County
Provides detailed post-auction instructions and bidder requirements.
How to bid at a Kansas tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Kansas tax deed sales.
- 1
Research the auction catalog
Review the list of properties published by the county treasurer or counselor.
- 2
Perform due diligence
Inspect the property, check for special assessments, and research title status.
- 3
Register for the auction
Complete the required bidder registration and submit the mandatory affidavit.
- 4
Attend the auction
Participate in the public bidding process at the designated time and location.
- 5
Pay the winning bid
Submit the full payment via certified funds on the day of the sale.
- 6
Await confirmation
Wait for the court to confirm the sale and the Sheriff's Deed to be recorded.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Kansas.
K.S.A. 79-2306
Governs the administrative bid-off of property to the county.
K.S.A. 79-2401a
Defines redemption periods for different property types.
K.S.A. 79-2801
Authorizes judicial foreclosure actions by the county.
K.S.A. 79-2804
Details the order of sale, notice, and deed issuance.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Kansas tax deed investors.
Genthner v. Lewis
1880Established that illegal charges in tax proceedings can render a tax deed invalid.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Kansas tax deed investors.
- The redemption period is an administrative phase before the judicial foreclosure sale. Owners have 1–3 years, depending on property type, to pay delinquent taxes to stop the foreclosure.
- It is not legally required to take title, but it is highly recommended to clear potential clouds on title and obtain title insurance.
- The Sheriff's Deed is a non-warranty deed. The county does not guarantee the condition of the property or the validity of the title.
- If a court finds the sale invalid due to procedural errors, the sale may be set aside, and the court will order a refund of the purchase price.
- Auctions are public, usually held at the county courthouse, where the property is sold to the highest bidder.
- Yes, but the county does not provide access. Bidders are responsible for their own due diligence regarding property condition and zoning.
How does Kansas'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 before bidding?
Title Risk Flags
Sheriff's Deeds are non-warranty deeds; federal tax liens may carry a 120-day redemption period; buyers are responsible for all special assessments.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.