Guide to Angelina County, Texas Tax Deed Sales

Texas uses a redeemable tax deed system rather than traditional tax liens. When a property owner falls behind on county taxes, the county obtains a judgment and orders a sheriff or constable to sell the property at a public auction. The winning bidder pays the full amount of taxes, penalties and court costs, receives a deed from the sheriff/constable and may earn a statutory return if the owner redeems the property. This article provides a detailed look at how Angelina County, Texas conducts tax sales, including auction dates, registration requirements, redemption periods, bidding procedures, and why the county’s economic and natural features make it attractive to investors.

Brief overview of county tax deed investing

Tax‑deed investors in Texas effectively purchase the property. However, the original owner has a statutory redemption period during which they can reclaim it by reimbursing the investor the purchase price plus a mandated premium—25 % in the first year and 50 % in the second year. If the property is not homestead or agricultural, the redemption period is 180 days. Investors thus have the potential to earn a fixed return if the property is redeemed or take ownership if it is not. Auctions in Angelina County are held in person on the first Tuesday of each month at the courthouse annex, and registration occurs on‑site the day of the sale.

Important details at a glance

Why Angelina County’s tax deeds offer attractive returns

Texas is unique among states because investors purchase a redeemable deed rather than a lien. Investors pay the entire amount owed and become the property owner subject to redemption. If the original owner redeems, the investor receives the bid back plus a statutory premium of 25 % to 50 %. The premium is not based on the length of time the investor holds the property; a redemption after just a few days yields the same 25 % return. By contrast, if the property is not redeemed within the statutory period (6 months or 2 years), the investor acquires full ownership. This hybrid system combines the security of a deed with the income potential of a lien and explains why tax‑deed investing in Angelina County can be high‑return and low‑risk compared with traditional investments.

Texas does not restrict participation to residents, so out‑of‑state and foreign investors can bid. There is no pre‑registration list; simply arrive on the day of the sale with funds and, if required, a certificate showing you owe no delinquent taxes.

Fun facts about Angelina County

• Angelina County is located in East Texas, not far from Houston. It has the Angelina River on one side and the Neches River on another. The biggest water spot in the county is the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, where people often go boating and fishing.
• Angelina County is pretty big, covering 807 square miles. It has hot summers with temperatures around 94 °F and mild winters with lows around 39 °F. The area gets about 43 inches of rain each year, and the growing season lasts around 244 days.
• The county is named after a girl from the Hainai tribe who helped Spanish missionaries. It was officially made a county in 1846 and has grown over the years, with a population of about 87,000 in 2016. Lufkin is the main city and a hub for shopping and healthcare.
• Getting around is easy with highways that connect to larger cities and an airport for small planes. The area also has some train service.
• Economically, there are five main industries in Lufkin: forest products, aerospace, manufacturing, medical, and food. Lumber has been key to the economy for a long time, and Lockheed Martin provides jobs in aerospace. There are also various factories and hospitals that serve many nearby counties.
• Angelina County is great for outdoor activities like hunting and hiking. You can fish and camp in its lakes and rivers. Lufkin has shops and restaurants, while nearby parks offer fun weekend outings. The good soil and weather also make it a great place for farming and forestry.

What makes Angelina County tax deeds a smart investment?

In Texas, they use a special kind of deed called a redeemable deed. If the old owner wants their property back, they can pay you back what you bid plus a little extra. If they choose not to, you get to keep the deed, but there are some rules you need to follow.

When you bid, the returns don’t go down because of other bidders. This means you can get a good return without worrying about someone else outbidding you. There are regular sales every first Tuesday of the month, and the economy in Texas is pretty stable. This makes it easier to plan what you want to do with your investments and how to get out of them when you need to.

What returns can you earn?

Redemption for property works a bit differently depending on what kind it is. For non-homestead properties, you have 180 days to redeem it. But if it’s a homestead or agricultural property, you have 2 years to do so. In the first year, the premium to pay back is 25%. If you need a second year, the premium goes up to 50%. It doesn’t matter if you pay back on day 10 or day 360 within the first year; you still pay 25%. If no one redeems the property, then you keep it based on your winning bid

How the sale works (in brief)

1. Judgment & notice: After a court order, the sheriff/constable posts the sale with time, place, and terms.
   
2. Registration: On‑site the morning of the auction; bring ID, certified funds, and—if required—a “no delinquent taxes” statement from the Tax Assessor‑Collector.
   
3. Bidding: Public outcry; highest cash bid wins.
   
4. Payment & deed: Pay as the notice states (many require same‑day certified funds). You receive a constable/sheriff’s deed without warranty.
   
5. Redemption: The former owner may redeem within the applicable window; if so, you’re paid back plus the statutory premium.
   

Who can bid?

Any bidder can join, whether they are local, from another state, or even from another country. Just follow the same rules everyone else has to follow. You need to register on the site. Make sure to use certified funds. If the officer asks, you also have to provide a statement that says you have no unpaid taxes. If you have questions about the certificate, you can email the Tax Assessor-Collector at [email protected]

After you win

Make sure to record the deed right away. Once you do that, the countdown for redemption starts. Keep an eye on the deadline, which can be either 180 days or 2 years. Don’t forget to plan for the taxes that will come up after the sale. You should prepare for both possibilities. Think about what you’ll do if there is a payout during redemption and what steps to take if there isn’t any redemption

Importance of due diligence

Tax‑deed investing rewards those who research before bidding. Here are critical due‑diligence steps:

• Inspect the property: drive by or use satellite imagery to assess the property’s condition. Tax sales are buyer‑beware—properties are sold “as is,” and the county makes no warranties.
  
• Check title and liens: perform a title search to identify mortgages, liens, or judgments that might survive the tax deed. Some liens, such as IRS liens, may remain.
  
• Confirm zoning and land use: verify that the property can be used for your intended purpose.
  
• Estimate market value: research comparable sales and local market conditions. The county may provide an appraised value, but investors should conduct their own analysis.
  
• Budget for other costs: if you acquire the property, you may owe taxes that accrue after the sale, as well as repair or maintenance expenses.
  

Skipping these steps could result in purchasing a property with low value or costly liabilities. Investors should also consult legal or real‑estate professionals familiar with Texas tax sales.

Buying over‑the‑counter (OTC) deeds

When a property doesn’t sell at an auction, it can be “struck off” to the county. In Texas, counties can later sell these properties directly to people. Angelina County sometimes lists properties that didn’t sell. They do this through their tax attorney or online auction. If you want to buy one of these properties, you usually need to make an offer that matches the starting bid and pay the whole amount upfront. The time limit for the original owner to get their property back still counts. If you’re interested in these deals, keep an eye on the county’s website or reach out to the tax attorney’s office to find out what properties are available.

Why Angelina County is a top choice for tax‑deed investors

• Strong natural and economic base: abundant timber resources, large water supplies and diversified industries (aerospace, manufacturing, medical, food products) create a resilient economy.
  
• Growing community: the county’s population has grown steadily over the past century, reaching 87,791 by 2016. Lufkin serves as a regional medical and retail center, supporting property demand.
  
• Outdoor lifestyle: lakes, rivers and forests offer year‑round recreation and tourism, enhancing property appeal.
  
• Accessible auctions: monthly sales provide regular opportunities. The absence of bidding down the interest rate ensures investors compete on purchase price rather than return percentage, maintaining the generous 25 %–50 % premiums.
  
• Investor‑friendly regulation: Texas law allows foreign participation and provides clear redemption rules. County staff and the tax attorney’s office are accessible for questions.
  

Conclusion

Angelina County’s tax deed sales let people invest in property and possibly earn good returns. There are auctions every first Tuesday of the month at the courthouse annex. To join, just register on-site. Texas tax deeds come with a 25% to 50% extra charge if the owner wants to buy back their property. This makes them a great way to earn passive income. It’s important for investors to check things like property value and any liens. Doing your homework is key. With good research and following the county’s rules, investing in Angelina County can be a smart choice for your tax deed portfolio.

Pro tips for attending Angelina County tax sales

• Arrive early on auction day to register and review the list of properties.
  
• Bring certified funds (cashier’s check or cash). Some sales require a 10 % deposit before bidding.
  
• Obtain a certificate from the tax assessor showing you have no delinquent taxes.
  
• Research each property—drive by, check title, and assess market value.
  
• Understand redemption rights; budget for the possibility of not owning the property for up to two years.
  
• Plan for post‑auction costs, including insurance, taxes accruing after the sale, and possible repairs.
  
• Consider consulting an attorney experienced in Texas tax law if you are new to tax deeds.
  

Frequently asked questions

Useful links

• Auction Calendar
• How to Profit from Texas’s Redeemable Deeds
• Let’s talk about redeemable tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Learn How to maximize profits at the Texas Tax Sales

Need a hand?

Looking at Angelina County for your next investment? Our Auction Calendar has what you need. Browse tax-sale listings, read through our free resources to gain clarity, and Book a call with our expert team when you’re ready to talk strategy or get personalized help.

Sign up or log in to view the full content.

Free help available

Get a Tax Deed in the next 30 days

Need a hand on your first deal at up to 90% off? Book a free call and we’ll guide you step by step.

Auction
Calendar Book a free
call Free
resources

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