Kern County, California Tax Sale – Expand Your Real Estate Portfolio

Thinking about investing in real estate through tax deed sales? Kern County, California is a great place to start. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Kern County tax deed auctions—how they work, when to show up, and what to expect.

Kern County Tax Sale Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed
Auction Platform	GovEase Online Auctions
Auction Format	Online-only auction
Typical Sale Dates	February and July each year
Next Sale Expected	Confirm via Kern County Tax Sale Page
Start Time	8:00 AM Pacific Time
Registration Deadline	Usually closes a few days before the sale—watch for deadlines on GovEase
Deposit Requirement	$5,000 refundable deposit
Redemption Period	No redemption – Tax deeds in CA have no redemption period
Payment Type	Wire transfer or certified funds only
Document Transfer Tax	$0.55 per $500 of purchase price
Clear Title?	Not guaranteed—may require quiet title action

Where to Register and Bid

All auctions are handled online through GovEase. You’ll need to:

• Create an account
• Submit a $5,000 refundable deposit
• Register for the specific sale
• Place bids during the online auction

Register on GovEase

Important Notes for Investors

• Properties are sold “as-is”: No walkthroughs, no inspections, and no guarantees.
• Some may have liens or occupants: It’s your job to research before bidding.
• No redemption period: Once the sale is final, ownership begins.

Contact Info for Kern County Tax Sale

Office	Details
Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector	Visit Website
Phone	(661) 868-3490
Email	[email protected]
Address	1115 Truxtun Ave, 5th Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Pro Tips for Success in Kern County Tax Deed Sales

• Do Your Homework: Use Kern County’s GIS and property search tools to review property details before bidding.
• Stick to Your Budget: Don’t get carried away during bidding—know your max bid and stick to it.
• Prepare for Ownership Costs: Once you own the property, you’ll be responsible for taxes, maintenance, and possibly eviction or title actions.
• Understand Title Issues: Winning the auction doesn’t always mean a clear title. Consider hiring a real estate attorney for quiet title proceedings.

Fun Facts About Real Estate in Kern County

• Affordable Homes: Bakersfield is one of California’s most affordable big cities.
• Big Land Demand: With oil and agriculture as major industries, land in Kern County holds long-term value.
• More Inventory: Kern usually has more tax-defaulted properties than many counties in California.
• Growing Areas: Tehachapi, Delano, and Ridgecrest are seeing population growth thanks to remote workers.
• Military & Aerospace Activity: Nearby Edwards AFB and China Lake bring steady demand for rentals.

FAQs About Kern County Tax Sales

Q: Is the auction in-person or online?
A: All auctions are now held online only through GovEase.

Q: What happens if I win a property?
A: You must pay the full amount quickly via wire or certified check. You’ll then receive a tax deed.

Q: Are there any extra fees?
A: Yes. Expect transfer taxes and possibly an admin fee, depending on the property and sale terms.

Q: Can I inspect the property?
A: No. All properties are sold “as-is” and may be occupied or in disrepair.

Q: What if someone is living in the property I win?
A: You’ll need to go through the legal eviction process if the property is occupied.

Useful Links

• Kern County Tax Sale Info Page
• GovEase Auction Website
• Kern County Main Site
• Unlock Incredible Savings on California Properties with Tax Deed Auctions!
• Discover the intriguing world of Hybrid Auctions
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Want to get started with Tax Liens? Click Here!
• Learn how to buy California real estate at a fraction of the cost

Call to Action

Check out our Auction Calendar for upcoming auctions. Don’t miss out on the upcoming tax sale! If you need more guidance or have questions about participating in tax sales, don’t hesitate to consider booking a Call Now to connect with an expert who can help you navigate the process. You can also check out our free resources to find answers to your questions and provide tips for making informed investments

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

5–10deals/mo

2009TLS founded