Burns v. State ex rel Allen
1932Established that the redemption period does not automatically expire at four years if the required notice of application for a tax deed has not been properly served.
WY
Wyoming
Tax Deed
Wyoming is a tax lien state where the county sells a tax lien on delinquent property at an annual in-person public auction. The winning bidder receives a Certificate of Purchase and earns 15% interest plus a 3% penalty. If the property remains unredeemed after four years, the holder may apply for a tax deed.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 23 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax lien (redeemable)
- Redemption period
- 4 years
- Interest rate
- 15% per annum
- Penalty
- 3%
- Sale frequency
- Annual
- Minimum bid
- Taxes, interest, penalties, costs
- Deed type
- Treasurer's Tax Deed
- Bidder requirement
- Pre-registration required
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Redeemable Deed |
| Redemption Period | The redemption period is four years from the date of the tax sale. During this time, the original owner or interested parties may redeem the property by paying the treasurer the amount sold, plus interest and a 3% penalty. If not redeemed, the certificate holder may apply for a tax deed, which cannot be issued after six years have lapsed since the original sale date. |
| Penalty / Interest | A 3% penalty is applied to the amount purchased on the day of the sale. The statutory interest rate is 15% per annum on the amount paid at the tax sale and on any subsequent taxes paid by the certificate holder. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 23 |
| Typical Sale Month | July or August |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Auctions are conducted in-person by the County Treasurer. Pre-registration is required at the Treasurer's office prior to the sale. The minimum bid is the amount of delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and costs. Payment is required in full on the day of the sale via cash, certified funds, or credit card.
Post-sale obligations
The purchaser receives a Certificate of Purchase and does not have immediate title or possession. The certificate holder must comply with strict statutory notice requirements before applying for a tax deed. While the holder may be responsible for maintenance if they take possession, they do not have ownership until the deed is issued.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Wyoming tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$5,000
Timeline6 mo.
Notable counties
Key Wyoming counties for tax deed investors.
Laramie County
Often holds sales following Cheyenne Frontier Days and provides clear procedural information.
Teton County
Known for high-value real estate and specific, strict pre-registration requirements.
Sweetwater County
Provides detailed, accessible information regarding their annual tax sale procedures.
How to bid at a Wyoming tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Wyoming tax deed sales.
- 1
Research the delinquent list
Review the list of delinquent properties published by the County Treasurer in the local newspaper.
- 2
Pre-register with the county
Complete the required registration forms and W-9 at the County Treasurer's office before the deadline.
- 3
Attend the auction
Be present in person at the designated time and location, as proxy bidding is generally not permitted.
- 4
Participate in the drawing
Follow the county's specific random selection process to be assigned a lien.
- 5
Pay the balance
Submit payment for the full amount of the lien immediately following the auction.
- 6
Receive Certificate of Purchase
Obtain the Certificate of Purchase from the Treasurer, which serves as your evidence of the lien.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Wyoming.
Governs the tax sale process, redemption, and issuance of tax deeds.
Sets the limitation period for challenging tax deeds.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Wyoming tax deed investors.
Tyler v. Hennepin County
2023A U.S. Supreme Court case that impacts tax sale procedures nationwide regarding the retention of surplus equity.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Wyoming tax deed investors.
- The owner has four years from the date of the tax sale to redeem the property by paying the treasurer the full amount of taxes, interest, and penalties.
- While not always mandatory, a quiet title action is often recommended to establish marketable title, as tax deeds can be subject to challenges regarding procedural compliance.
- The primary risk is that the sale may be challenged if statutory notice requirements were not strictly followed, potentially rendering the deed voidable.
- If a challenge is successful, the purchaser is generally entitled to reimbursement for taxes paid, interest, and costs, provided the tax sale was not fundamentally invalid.
- Auctions are held in-person by the County Treasurer, typically using a random drawing process to assign liens to pre-registered bidders.
- Yes, but you have no legal right to enter the property; inspections must be done from public rights-of-way as it is a buyer beware market.
How does Wyoming's redemption period work for tax deed purchases?
Do I need a quiet title action after a Wyoming tax deed purchase?
What title risks should a Wyoming tax deed buyer know about?
What happens if the former owner challenges a Wyoming tax sale?
How are Wyoming tax deed auctions typically conducted?
Can I inspect properties before bidding at Wyoming tax sales?
Title Risk Flags
Buyer beware market; counties do not warrant property. Failure to strictly follow notice requirements can invalidate a tax deed. Tax deeds do not shield the purchaser from environmental liabilities.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.