Adams County, Colorado Tax Lien Certificate Investing Guide

Adams County sits north and east of Denver. It is one of Colorado’s fastest-growing counties and blends older rural towns with active suburbs like Thornton and Commerce City. This article explains how the Adams County tax lien sale works. You will learn the sale dates, registration rules, bidding process, returns, and where to find updates. Everything is kept simple and easy to read.

What is Adams County tax lien investing

Adams County uses a tax lien certificate system. When property taxes are not paid, the county sells a lien to investors at the annual tax lien sale. You do not buy the property at the sale. You buy the right to collect the unpaid taxes plus interest when the owner redeems the lien. If the lien is not redeemed after three years, you can start the process to apply for a treasurer’s deed.

Important details

Key Adams County tax lien facts

Fun facts about Adams County

• It is the fifth largest county in Colorado by population.
  
• Thornton is the largest city and Brighton is the county seat.
  
• The county surrounds Denver International Airport.
  
• The area blends long standing farm towns with new and growing suburbs.
  
• Adams County supports a mix of jobs in logistics, retail, and manufacturing.
  

Attractions and economic highlights

• Attractions: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Barr Lake State Park, Riverdale Regional Park.
• Economy: Strong in transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, and health care.
• Community: Many outdoor trails, lakes, and year-round events.
  

Why this county is ideal for tax lien investors

• Offers high returns because the Colorado interest rate is often much higher than savings products.
  
• Seen as a low risk choice because liens are tied to real estate with strong legal standing.
  
• Good state tax lien opportunities because Colorado uses a clear statewide system.
  
• Easy online auction process that supports remote investors.
  

Auction process for tax lien sales in Adams County

Adams County holds its tax lien sale online every year. The county posts a delinquent list, opens registration on the auction site, and then runs the sale in October. Investors use premium bidding. You bid an amount above the tax lien value. The highest premium wins the lien. The premium is not returned when the owner redeems. The auction uses Mountain Time and takes place on adams.coloradotaxsale.com.

How the auction works

• The county publishes the delinquent list and notice before the sale.
  
• Investors register online during the mid October registration dates.
  
• After approval, bidders can review parcels, fund their account, and enter bids.
  
• During the sale, liens open one at a time and investors bid premium amounts.
  
• The highest premium wins the tax lien certificate.
  
• The winner receives a certificate of purchase which is a lien, not ownership.
  
• The owner may redeem any time before a treasurer deed is issued. The investor receives the lien amount and interest but does not get the premium back.
  

Maximum potential returns and expected returns

Colorado sets one redemption interest rate each year for all counties. In recent sales the interest rate listed for Adams County has been fourteen percent. You earn interest from the month after the sale until the date of redemption. Your return comes from the lien amount plus interest and some allowed fees during a deed application. The premium you bid does not earn interest and is not refunded. Careful bidding helps keep premiums low and returns higher. A strong portfolio in Adams County can bring higher returns than many fixed income products.

Open to all investors and foreign investor participation

Adams County welcomes local and out of state investors. The entire process is online which makes it simple for remote bidders. Foreign investors can also join if they follow the identification and tax form rules of the auction site. They should also check how tax lien income is treated in their own country. Many international investors use Colorado lien sales to earn real estate backed returns without owning rental property.

Importance of due diligence in Adams County tax lien investing

Adams County offers high interest rates but success still depends on good research. Due diligence helps you avoid liens on low value parcels or problem sites. It also guides your premium levels during bidding.

What due diligence entails

• Look up parcel details using the county property search.
  
• Check maps and aerial photos to review the land and surroundings.
  
• Review land and building values on the assessor site.
  
• Search public records for other liens or recorded issues.
  
• Study the tax history to see why taxes became delinquent.
  

Risks of skipping due diligence

• You might win liens on land with very low value.
  
• Some parcels may lack access or have past problems.
  
• Improvements may be removed before you gain ownership.
  
• Unknown liens or title issues may reduce your return.
  
• Poor due diligence can create a hard to manage set of liens.
  

Why Adams County is a top choice for tax lien investors

Economic and tax advantages

• Steady population growth supports reliable tax revenue.
  
• Mix of homes and commercial parcels creates lien sizes for all budgets.
  
• Reasonable overall tax structure for the area.
  
• Clear communication from the Treasurer with updated reports.
  

Real estate market overview

Adams County is part of the Denver metro region. This helps support stable property demand. The area includes older neighborhoods, new subdivisions, and busy commercial zones. Property values continue to grow. Many owners still fall behind on taxes which creates steady lien opportunities.

Conclusion

Adams County offers strong tax lien opportunities through its online auction system. The annual sale in October, the three year redemption period, and the state set interest rate give you a clear and simple way to invest. With research and smart bidding, investors can build a portfolio with strong returns backed by real estate. Careful due diligence and steady planning will help you make better choices and reduce risks.

Pro tips

• Start with smaller liens to learn the Adams County process.
  
• Track each lien with notes on value and redemption dates.
  
• Favor parcels in stable neighborhoods with good access.
  
• Review a full treasurer deed file to understand the full path.
  
• Practice on the auction platform before the live sale.
  

FAQs

• Do I get the property right away
  No. You only receive a lien certificate. Ownership is only possible after the redemption period and deed process.
  
• Can I enter the property after buying the lien
  No. You do not have the right to enter or control the property during redemption.
  
• What if the lien was sold by mistake
  The county will correct the sale and return your investment with interest.
  
• Can I use financing to buy liens
  Most investors use savings. If you use credit, make sure your cost is lower than your expected return.
  
• How do I sell a property after getting a treasurer deed
  Work with a local title company and real estate agent to market and sell it.
  

Useful links

Need a hand

If you want help with Adams County tax lien investing, we can guide you step by step. Use our Auction Calendar, explore our free resources, and book a call to create a clear plan that fits your goals. Our support makes the tax lien process easier to follow and easier to start.

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