Colorado Tax Deed & Tax Lien Sales 2026

How tax sales work in Colorado

Colorado county treasurers sell tax lien certificates each fall on parcels with delinquent taxes from the prior year. Bidding is by premium: bidders offer the delinquent amount plus an overbid, and the highest total wins. The overbid is paid to the county and is neither refunded nor interest-bearing, which means the winner’s true return depends on how quickly the lien is redeemed and how much premium was paid. The winning bidder receives a certificate of purchase and may pay later years’ taxes, which are endorsed onto the certificate at the same rate. Larger counties along the Front Range run the sale online; many mountain and plains counties still sell in person or by rotation.

Redemption and interest

The annual interest rate is set each September at nine percentage points above the federal discount rate, so it moves with monetary policy; it has ranged from about 10 percent to 15 percent in recent years. Interest accrues on the tax amount, not the premium. The owner may redeem at any time, and after three years the certificate holder may apply to the treasurer for a deed. The treasurer then serves notice on the owner and lienholders, and if no redemption occurs within the notice period a treasurer’s deed issues. Certificates not acted on within fifteen years expire.

When and where sales happen

Sales are held between October and early December, with each county picking its date. Lists are advertised for several weeks beforehand. Online counties typically run batches that close over a day or two; in-person sales use round-robin or open outcry depending on local practice.

What to check before you bid

Model the premium carefully: calculate the breakeven redemption period for the rate you expect. Check the assessor record to confirm the parcel is a real, accessible lot and not a mineral interest or a strip between subdivisions. Review recorded documents for HOA assessments and water or special district liens, which may have their own priority. Note that a treasurer’s deed is not insured title and a quiet title action is often needed before resale.

How AuctionScouts helps here

AuctionScouts compiles the fall certificate lists from Colorado treasurers, scores each parcel from 0 to 100 using assessed value, lien size and location, and flags recorded liens and mineral-only parcels. The calendar tracks each county’s sale date and list release.