Tyler v. Hennepin County
2023A U.S. Supreme Court case holding that retaining surplus equity from a tax foreclosure beyond the tax debt violates the Takings Clause.
WA
Washington
Tax Deed
Washington is a tax deed state where counties foreclose on properties with taxes three or more years delinquent. Auctions are typically conducted online, and the property is sold 'as is' to the highest bidder for at least the amount of taxes, interest, and costs. There is no post-sale redemption period for the general public.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 39 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax deed
- Redemption period
- None (post-sale)
- Sale frequency
- Annual (varies by county)
- Minimum bid
- Taxes + interest + costs
- Deed type
- Treasurer's Deed
- Bidder deposit
- $500–$1,000 typical
- Property condition
- Sold 'as is'
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Deed |
| Redemption Period | Washington is a tax deed state with no post-sale redemption period for the general public. The right to redeem expires at the close of business on the day before the tax foreclosure sale. An exception exists for minors and legally incompetent persons, who may redeem within three years after the date of the sale. |
| Penalty / Interest | Delinquent taxes accrue interest at a statutory rate of 12% per annum. The minimum bid at auction must cover all delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and foreclosure costs. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 39 |
| Typical Sale Month | November, December, January, or February |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Auctions are primarily conducted online via platforms like Bid4Assets. Bidders must pre-register and typically provide a refundable deposit of $500–$1,000. The minimum bid is the sum of all delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and foreclosure costs. Winning bids must be paid in full via electronic funds transfer or certified funds within 24–48 hours.
Post-sale obligations
The winning bidder receives a Treasurer’s Deed and assumes all responsibility for the property immediately upon acquisition. Properties are sold 'as is' and 'where is' with no warranty of title or condition. If the property is occupied, the new owner is responsible for legal eviction procedures.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Washington tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$5,000
Timeline8 mo.
Notable counties
Key Washington counties for tax deed investors.
King County
Highest volume of properties and major metropolitan market.
Snohomish County
Frequently cited for clear procedural guidance on tax foreclosure.
Thurston County
Active user of online auction platforms for tax sales.
Recent statutory changes
- Legislation was signed to prioritize the transfer of tax-foreclosed properties to land bank authorities, effective April 2026.
How to bid at a Washington tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Washington tax deed sales.
- 1
Research the catalog
Review the county treasurer’s list of properties scheduled for foreclosure.
- 2
Perform due diligence
Investigate the property's title, physical condition, and zoning, as sales are 'as is'.
- 3
Register for auction
Create an account on the designated auction platform and complete all required registration steps.
- 4
Submit required deposit
Provide the mandatory bid deposit to the auction platform by the specified deadline.
- 5
Place your bids
Submit bids during the active auction window, ensuring they meet the minimum bid requirements.
- 6
Pay the balance
If you win, pay the full remaining balance via the required electronic method within the county's deadline.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Washington.
RCW 84.64.050
Governs the initiation of the foreclosure process.
RCW 84.64.070
Defines the redemption period and exceptions for minors/incompetent persons.
RCW 84.64.080
Outlines the auction, minimum bid, and deed issuance requirements.
RCW 36.16.145
Authorizes the use of electronic media for tax sales.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Washington tax deed investors.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Washington tax deed investors.
- There is no post-sale redemption period for the general public. Owners may redeem only until the close of business the day before the sale.
- While not strictly required by law to own the property, it is often necessary to obtain title insurance, as tax deeds are not inherently insurable.
- The county provides no warranty of title. Existing liens or clouds on the title may persist, and title companies often require a quiet title action to issue a policy.
- Challenges are rare and difficult after the deed is issued, but if successful, the sale could be set aside by a court.
- Most counties use online platforms like Bid4Assets to conduct auctions to the highest bidder.
- No. Properties are private until the deed is issued; entering them without permission constitutes trespassing.
How does Washington's redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks should I know?
What happens if the former owner challenges the sale?
How are auctions conducted?
Can I inspect properties before bidding?
Title Risk Flags
Properties are sold 'as is' with no warranty of title, zoning, or physical condition. Title companies may refuse to insure a tax-deed property for up to three years post-sale without a quiet title action, and properties may be occupied.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.