How Austin County, Texas, Tax Sales

Tax sales in Austin County, Texas, are organized to recover unpaid property taxes and are an opportunity for investors to acquire properties. These sales follow a structured process, ensuring that the county recoups lost revenue while giving property owners a chance to resolve their debts.

Understanding the Sale Process

Tax sales in Austin County are held on the first Tuesday of each month. These sales take place at the Austin County Courthouse or a designated location, starting promptly at the scheduled time. Properties sold are those with delinquent taxes that have remained unpaid despite notices sent to the property owner.

Announcements and Notifications

• The county provides public notices listing the properties to be auctioned.
• Check out our Auction Calendar for scheduled auctions
• These notices include the property’s legal description, the amount due, and other relevant details.
• Notices are typically published in local newspapers and may also be available online through the county’s designated platforms.

Bidding and Minimum Requirements

• The minimum bid for a property is the total amount of delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and associated fees. This amount is announced during the sale.
• The highest bidder who meets or exceeds the minimum bid wins the property
• Buyers typically make payment immediately after the sale. Confirm accepted payment methods and exact deadlines before attending.

Redemption Period

Texas law allows property owners a redemption period after the sale:

• Six months for non-homestead properties.
• Two years for homestead or agricultural properties.

During this period, owners can reclaim their property by paying the sale price plus a penalty. The penalty increases over time:

• 25% if redeemed in the first year.
• 50% if redeemed in the second year (for applicable properties).

Post-Sale Procedures

1. Buyers are issued a tax deed, which transfers ownership but may not clear all liens.
2. It is the buyer’s responsibility to address any remaining encumbrances.
3. Title insurance may be challenging to obtain immediately, and quiet title actions are sometimes necessary to secure a clear title.

Preparing for the Sale

Interested buyers should research each property thoroughly. This includes:

• Checking for any liens or encumbrances that may remain after purchase.
• Visiting the property (if accessible) to assess its condition.
• Confirming details with the Austin County Appraisal District or consulting a legal expert for clarity on the process.
• Reviewing auction rules, which can vary by county and may include specific requirements for registration and bidding.

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?

Start exploring our Auction Calendar to stay informed about upcoming auctions. Mark your calendar for Austin County’s tax sales, and don’t miss your chance to participate! If you’d like more guidance or have specific questions, book a call with an expert to get personalized advice. You can also explore our free resources for helpful tips and answers to common questions, ensuring you’re ready to make confident decisions.

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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