How Washington County, Virginia, Conducts Tax Sales

Washington County, Virginia, holds tax sales when property owners fail to pay their real estate taxes. These sales help the county recover unpaid taxes while allowing buyers to purchase properties at public auctions.

Check the auction calendar for upcoming tax sales.

Understanding Washington County’s Tax Sale Process

The county follows a structured legal process to ensure fairness. It identifies unpaid properties, notifies owners, seeks court approval, and conducts an auction where bidders compete for properties.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Identifying Delinquent Properties – The Treasurer selects properties with unpaid taxes.
2. Notifying Owners – The county warns property owners about the pending tax sale.
3. Legal Action – The county takes the case to court to approve the sale.
4. Public Auction Announcement – The county advertises the auction details.
5. Bidding & Auction Process – Buyers place bids, and the highest bidder wins.
6. Payment & Confirmation – The buyer must complete payment before ownership transfers.
7. Sale Proceeds Distribution – The county distributes funds to settle debts.
8. Ownership Transfer – The buyer receives the deed and assumes responsibility for the property.

1. Identifying Delinquent Properties

The Treasurer reviews tax records to find properties with multiple years of unpaid taxes.

• Owners receive reminders to pay overdue taxes.
• Some may qualify for payment plans to avoid the sale.
• The county compiles a final list of eligible properties for auction.
• Officials verify if any properties qualify for exemption from tax sale.

2. Notifying Property Owners

The county ensures property owners receive multiple warnings before their property is auctioned.

• Certified Mail Notice – The county sends legal notices to property owners.
• Public Listing – The county publishes a list of properties online and in local newspapers.
• Final Notice – The last warning includes auction details and bidding instructions.
• Owner’s Right to Pay – Owners must pay the full amount, including penalties and fees, to stop the sale.
• Redemption Period – Some owners may have time to reclaim their property before the auction.

3. Legal Process Before the Sale

If property owners do not pay, the county takes legal action to approve the sale.

• The county files a lawsuit to request court approval for the auction.
• A judge appoints a special commissioner to oversee the sale.
• The court ensures all owners and lienholders receive notice of the pending sale.
• Owners who wish to stop the sale must pay all taxes, fees, and court costs or dispute the case in court.
• If the judge approves the sale, the county adds the property to the auction list.

4. Public Auction Announcement

Washington County makes auction details available to the public.

• Legal Advertisements – The county posts auction notices in local newspapers and online.
• Property Information – The public can review details and inspect properties before the sale.
• Auction Format – The county outlines if the auction is in-person or online.
• Bidding Instructions – The county posts auction rules and requirements on its website.
• Auctioneer Guidelines – The auctioneer provides instructions on how bidding will take place.

5. Bidding and Auction Process

Buyers must follow auction rules before participating.

• Pre-Registration – Bidders must register in advance and may need to submit a deposit.
• Open Bidding System – The auction follows a competitive bidding format.
• Minimum Bid Requirement – Some properties require minimum bids to cover taxes and sale costs.
• Winning Bid Confirmation – The auctioneer confirms the highest bid and explains the next steps.
• Court Approval – If the highest bid does not meet requirements, the court may reject the sale.
• Bidder Q&A – The county allows time for bidders to ask questions before bidding begins.

6. Payment and Confirmation

Winning bidders must complete the payment within the county’s required timeframe.

• Accepted Payment Methods – The county allows cashier’s checks, money orders, or wire transfers.
• No Cash or Personal Checks – Washington County does not accept these payment methods.
• Court Hearing for Approval – The court schedules a hearing to confirm the transaction.
• Final Payment Deadline – Buyers must complete the full payment before receiving ownership rights.
• Non-Payment Consequences – If a bidder fails to pay, the county may re-auction the property or award it to the next highest bidder.
• Loss of Deposit – Buyers who miss payment deadlines lose their deposit and future bidding privileges.

7. Distributing the Sale Proceeds

The county uses funds from the auction to settle debts in the following order:

1. Court & Legal Fees – Covers attorney costs, administrative expenses, and court fees.
2. Unpaid Real Estate Taxes – Pays off delinquent property taxes owed to the county.
3. Remaining Funds – Goes to lienholders or the original property owner.
4. Unclaimed Money – If no one claims the extra funds, it transfers to the state treasury after a set period.
5. Sale Summary – The county provides a detailed breakdown of how funds are distributed after the sale.
6. Dispute Resolution – Any disputes over excess funds must go through the court.

8. Transferring Ownership

After court approval, the special commissioner completes the deed transfer to the buyer.

• New Owner’s Responsibility – Buyers take full responsibility for the property as-is.
• Title Clearance – Buyers should verify any outstanding liens or legal claims before purchasing.
• Recommended Legal Assistance – Consulting a real estate attorney or title company is advised.
• Potential Additional Costs – Some properties may have unpaid utility bills or code violations.
• Title Insurance – Buyers may consider title insurance to protect against unexpected claims.
• Legal Ownership Documents – Buyers receive legal paperwork confirming their ownership.
• Property Record Updates – The county updates tax records to reflect the new owner.

Important Considerations

Before bidding, buyers should understand these key points:

• All Sales Are Final – Once a bid is accepted, the buyer must complete the purchase.
• Properties Are Sold As-Is – Washington County does not inspect or repair properties before the sale.
• Some Properties Have Additional Liens – Buyers should research the title history before purchasing.
• Failure to Pay Has Consequences – If a bidder fails to pay, the property returns to auction, and the bidder loses any deposit.
• Title Clearance is the Buyer’s Responsibility – Buyers must investigate legal claims or unpaid debts before finalizing the purchase.
• Redemption Rights May Apply – Some properties allow previous owners to reclaim them within a certain period if they pay their taxes in full.
• Post-Sale Regulations – Buyers must follow local rules for property maintenance and usage.

Useful Links & Resources

• Learn How to Profit from Virginia Real Estate Auctions 
• Let’s talk about Tax Deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 

Check the Auction calendar and don’t miss your chance to participate in Washington County’s next tax sale. If you need expert guidance, book a consultation or you can also explore our free resources to make informed investment decisions

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