Washington Tax Deed & Tax Lien Sales 2026

How tax sales work in Washington

Washington counties sell property, not liens. When taxes on a parcel have been delinquent for three years, the county treasurer files a certificate of delinquency and a foreclosure action in superior court covering all eligible parcels. After judgment, the treasurer sells the property at public auction to the highest bidder, and the buyer receives a treasurer’s deed.

The minimum bid is the total of taxes, interest, penalties and foreclosure costs. Bidding goes up from there, and any surplus is held for the former owner and other interested parties to claim. Washington was ahead of most states on returning surplus, so the post-2023 changes seen elsewhere have had less effect here.

Redemption and interest

The owner or any lienholder can redeem at any time before the sale by paying the full judgment amount. Once the treasurer completes the sale and issues the deed, there is no redemption right for adults with full legal capacity. The statute preserves a redemption right for minors and persons adjudged incapacitated for up to three years after the sale, which is rarely exercised but should be checked when the prior owner’s status is unclear.

Buyers earn no interest; the return comes from acquiring the property below its value. Because the foreclosure runs through the court and the county serves lienholders, mortgages and most junior liens are extinguished, though title companies commonly want a waiting period or quiet title before insuring.

When and where sales happen

Each county sets its own schedule. Many hold one sale a year in late fall or early winter after the foreclosure judgment, and a few larger counties sell more often. Most counties, including King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane, conduct sales online through Bid4Assets, which requires registration and a deposit in advance. Some rural counties still sell in person at the courthouse.

What to check before you bid

Verify legal access and whether the lot is buildable under critical areas, shoreline and wetland rules. Check for local improvement district assessments and utility liens that may survive. Confirm whether the property is occupied, as eviction after a tax sale takes time. Review the foreclosure file for any party who might qualify for the extended redemption right.

How AuctionScouts helps here

AuctionScouts aggregates treasurer foreclosure lists from Washington counties, scores each parcel from 0 to 100 and flags surviving liens and access problems. The calendar tracks each county’s sale date and platform registration deadline.