San Joaquin County, California Tax Sale Guide: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about investing in real estate and don’t know where to start, San Joaquin County’s tax deed sales might be a great place. Every year, the county auctions off properties with unpaid property taxes. These are real chances to grab properties for way less than their market value.

This guide will walk you through how the process works, what to expect, and how to prepare for the auction.

Quick Facts About San Joaquin County Tax Deed Sales

Detail	Description
Type of Sale	Tax Deed Sale
Auction Platform	Bid4Assets
Next Auction Date	Usually once a year — check the San Joaquin County Tax Sale Page for updates
Auction Time	9:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Redemption Period	None (Property is sold after the redemption period has expired)
Bidding Style	Online bidding — highest bidder wins
Deposit Required	$1,000 refundable deposit + $35 processing fee
Payment Deadline	Usually once a year — check the San Joaquin County Tax Sale Page for updates
Payment Method	Certified funds (e.g., wire transfer or cashier’s check)
Who Can Bid?	Within five business days after the auction ends
Official Information Site	San Joaquin County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Where Is the Auction Held?

San Joaquin County’s tax deed sales are now conducted online through Bid4Assets. No need to travel — everything is handled digitally.

How Does the Auction Work?

Here’s how you can join and bid:

1. Create a Bid4Assets account.
2. Submit your deposit and processing fee before the deadline.
3. Start bidding when the auction opens. The minimum bid usually starts at the amount of back taxes and fees owed.
4. If you win, pay in full within the deadline.
5. You’ll receive a Tax Deed, giving you ownership of the property.

Important: These properties are sold as-is, which means you’ll need to research them before bidding.

How to Research Properties Before Bidding

Before bidding, it’s smart to:

• Check the property’s condition by driving by (don’t trespass).
• Look at market value using tools like Zillow or Realtor.com.
• Use the county GIS or property records to see if there are any liens or easements.
• Check if the property is occupied—you may need to handle an eviction if someone lives there.

Legal and Financial Requirements

• No redemption period – these properties are already past the one-year window, so the prior owner can’t reclaim the property.
• Quiet title action might be needed to clear any old claims.
• Expect to pay additional costs like documentary transfer tax and admin fees.

Why Invest in San Joaquin County?

Affordable Prices

Many homes go for a fraction of market value. You might score a home or land for up to 90% less than retail.

Central Location

The county sits between the Bay Area and Sacramento, with excellent freeway and rail access. It’s a major logistics and warehousing hub.

Growing Demand

Stockton, the county seat, is attracting Bay Area transplants looking for affordable housing. This is pushing prices up slowly.

Strong Agricultural Base

San Joaquin is a leader in agriculture. If you’re looking at rural land, farmland and water access are valuable assets.

Interesting Facts About San Joaquin County

• Population: Over 780,000
• County Seat: Stockton
• Top industries: Agriculture, logistics, healthcare, and education
• Stockton faced a major foreclosure crisis in 2008 but has since recovered and is one of the most affordable cities in California.
• Properties with secure water rights can be more valuable due to the region’s dry climate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to live in California to bid?
No, the auction is open to all, including out-of-state and international buyers.

Can I see the property before buying it?
Yes, but only from the outside. Do not enter the property.

What if the property has someone living in it?
You may need to go through legal eviction if it’s occupied.

Do these properties come with a clean title?
No, a quiet title action may be needed to clear any liens or claims.

What happens if I win but don’t pay?
You lose your deposit and may be banned from future auctions.

Pro Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Always check zoning and permitted uses.
• Budget for legal costs after the sale.
• Look at properties just outside of Stockton and Lodi—they often offer better deals.
• Double-check water access if buying farmland.

Useful Links

• San Joaquin County Tax Sale Page
• San Joaquin County Treasurer-Tax Collector
• Bid4Assets San Joaquin County Auctions
• San Joaquin County Property Records
• 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

Need Help?

Check out the auction calendar for upcoming tax sales. If you need more guidance or have questions about participating in tax sales, consider booking a call with an expert who can help you navigate the process. Don’t forget to explore free resources for tips on making informed investments

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