Monterey County Tax Sale Information

Monterey County, California will host its online Tax Defaulted Properties Auction from March 21, 2026 at 8:00 AM PT (11:00 AM ET) through March 25, 2026. Bidders must submit their required deposit before the stated deadline to qualify. The Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector will conduct this sale through Bid4Assets.

The County will offer 32 tax-defaulted parcels in this public online auction. Bidding opens at the published minimum bid set under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 3706. Some parcels start as low as $1,000, and the County lists all properties as no reserve.

The right of redemption ends on March 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT, the last business day before the auction begins. California does not provide a post-sale redemption period. Once the auction closes and the deed records, ownership transfers to the purchaser, subject to statutory exceptions.

Key Auction Details:

Date: March 21–25, 2026
Location: Online via Bid4Assets
Time: Starts 8:00 AM PT (11:00 AM ET) on March 21, 2026; closing times vary by parcel on March 25

Deposit Deadline: March 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM PT (4:00 PM ET)
Settlement Deadline: March 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM PT (4:00 PM ET)

Terms of Sale:

The County requires one $5,000 deposit plus a $35 non-refundable processing fee. Bidders must submit vesting information before accessing deposit instructions. Bid4Assets must receive the deposit by the stated deadline in the form of a certified check or wire transfer.

Bidding starts at the minimum bid and increases in increments set by the auction platform. The highest acknowledged bid at closing wins.

The County sells all properties as is. The Treasurer-Tax Collector makes no guarantees regarding title condition, property condition, access, or use. Buyers must research title records, liens, assessments, easements, IRS liens, and municipal obligations before bidding.

Under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 3712, a tax deed generally conveys title free of prior encumbrances, with statutory exceptions such as certain federal liens, special assessments, easements, and unpaid Mello-Roos obligations.

If the IRS holds a lien, federal law grants the IRS a 120-day redemption right after the sale under 26 U.S.C. § 7425(d).

Successful bidders must submit deed information within 48 hours after the auction closes. The County records the tax deed and mails it after recording, usually within four weeks. Title companies often wait one year before issuing title insurance on tax sale properties.

The County requires full payment by wire transfer or cashier’s check by the settlement deadline. The County forfeits deposits for nonpayment and may ban defaulting bidders from future sales. All sales remain final.

How to Participate:

Create an account on Bid4Assets.

Submit vesting information as instructed.

Send the required deposit before the deadline.

Review due diligence materials, assessor data, maps, and legal descriptions.

Place bids during the auction window.

Submit deed information within 48 hours if you win.

Complete full payment before the settlement deadline.

Investors should contact local planning departments or the County zoning office for land use questions. Buyers must inspect the property location and research liens, access issues, and improvements independently.

• Monterey County Tax Sale Information Link 
• Monterey County Treasurer and Tax Collector
• Monterey County Online Auction Site
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• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
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This Monterey County tax sale gives investors and buyers access to government-conducted property auctions with published minimum bids and no reserve pricing. Buyers who complete proper due diligence can acquire real estate directly from the County through a transparent online process.

California tax deed sales do not offer a post-sale redemption period, which provides certainty of title transfer once the deed records, subject to statutory exceptions. Investors seeking land, residential parcels, or long-term holds often monitor these auctions closely.

Review the parcel list early, submit your deposit on time, and complete your research before bidding. Careful preparation helps you compete confidently and secure your winning bid within Monterey County’s legal framework.

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