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; this case influences the national understanding of property rights in tax sales.
TX
Texas
Tax Deed
Texas tax sale auctions are judicial foreclosures conducted by the sheriff or constable, typically on the first Tuesday of the month. Investors purchase a deed without warranty, subject to a statutory redemption period of six months or two years depending on property type. The key differentiator is the high, mandatory redemption premium of 25% to 50%.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 254 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Redeemable deed
- Redemption period
- 6 months or 2 years
- Sale frequency
- Monthly (first Tuesday)
- Minimum bid
- Judgment amount or market value
- Deed type
- Sheriff's/Constable's (no warranty)
- Redemption penalty
- 25% (yr 1) / 50% (yr 2)
- Bidder deposit
- Varies by county
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Redeemable Deed |
| Redemption Period | Homestead, agricultural, and mineral interests have a two-year redemption period from the date the deed is filed. Other real property has a six-month redemption period from the date the deed is filed. |
| Penalty / Interest | The redeemer must pay the bid amount, recording fees, and costs. A redemption premium is added: 25% of the total for the first year and 50% of the total for the second year. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 254 |
| Typical Sale Month | First Tuesday of each month |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Auctions are conducted by the sheriff or constable, either in-person or online if authorized by the county. Bidders often must register in advance and provide proof of no delinquent taxes. The minimum bid is generally the lesser of the judgment amount or the property's market value. Payment is typically due in full at the time of sale via cash or certified funds.
Post-sale obligations
The purchaser receives a Sheriff’s or Constable’s Deed. During the redemption period, the purchaser may collect rent but must credit it against the redemption amount if the property is redeemed. Purchasers may recover costs for maintenance and preservation. The purchaser must provide a written itemization of costs if requested by the owner.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Texas tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$4,500
Timeline6 mo.
Notable counties
Key Texas counties for tax deed investors.
Harris County
High volume of sales with a well-established online and in-person auction infrastructure.
Tarrant County
Frequently cited for strict adherence to bidder registration and tax-delinquency clearance requirements.
How to bid at a Texas tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Texas tax deed sales.
- 1
Research the auction catalog
Review the list of properties published by the county or the delinquent tax attorney approximately 30 days before the sale.
- 2
Verify bidder eligibility
Confirm you do not owe delinquent taxes to the county or any taxing unit within the county and obtain any required written statement.
- 3
Register with the county
Complete the required bidder registration form, either online or in-person, before the auction begins.
- 4
Attend and submit bids
Participate in the auction on the first Tuesday of the month, either in-person or via the designated online platform.
- 5
Pay the balance
If you win, pay the full bid amount immediately or within the timeframe specified by the county, typically via cash or certified funds.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Texas.
Sale of Property — Governs the procedures for tax foreclosure sales.
Right of Redemption — Defines the redemption periods and premium requirements.
Persons Eligible to Purchase — Sets requirements for bidder eligibility and tax clearance.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Texas tax deed investors.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Texas tax deed investors.
- The redemption period is triggered when the purchaser's deed is filed for record. For homestead, agricultural, and mineral interests, it is two years; for other property, it is six months.
- While not strictly required by statute to hold the deed, it is standard practice because most title companies will not issue title insurance on a tax deed until the redemption period expires and a quiet title judgment is obtained.
- The primary risks are the right of redemption, potential procedural defects in the underlying foreclosure suit, and the fact that the deed is without warranty, meaning the county makes no guarantees regarding the title's quality.
- If the former owner claims the sale was invalid due to procedural errors, they must bring an action within two years after the cause of action accrues.
- They are conducted by the sheriff or constable as a public auction, either in-person at the courthouse or via an online platform authorized by the county commissioners court.
- Generally, no. The properties are sold as-is, and the county does not provide access for interior inspections. Investors are responsible for their own due diligence, typically limited to exterior drive-bys and public record searches.
How does Texas's redemption period work for tax deed purchases?
Do I need a quiet title action after a Texas tax deed purchase?
What title risks should a Texas tax deed buyer know about?
What happens if the former owner challenges a Texas tax sale?
How are Texas tax deed auctions typically conducted?
Can I inspect properties before bidding at Texas tax sales?
Title Risk Flags
Properties are sold via Sheriff’s/Constable’s Deed without warranty. Title insurance is generally unavailable until the redemption period expires and a quiet title action is completed. Federal tax liens or certain HOA liens may survive the tax sale.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.