Pierce County, Washington Tax Sales

Pierce County, Washington, handles property tax delinquencies through a structured foreclosure process. If property taxes are left unpaid for three or more years and exceed $100, the county takes steps to recover the owed amount through a public auction.

Property Tax Delinquencies

• The county begins the foreclosure process when property taxes remain unpaid for three years.

• Officials send multiple notices to property owners, explaining their obligations and deadlines to pay.

• The county charges interest and penalties on the delinquent taxes until the debt is resolved.

Foreclosure Process

1. The county files a Certificate of Delinquency with the Superior Court to initiate foreclosure proceedings.
2. Property owners can redeem their property by paying all outstanding taxes, interest, and penalties before the auction.
3. If the taxes remain unpaid, the court authorizes the property to be sold at a public auction.

Check out our Auction Calendar for scheduled auctions.

3. Auction Preparation

• The county lists all eligible properties online, providing details like parcel numbers and minimum bids.

• Interested buyers must register for the auction on the county’s chosen platform.

• Registration requires submitting a refundable deposit, which qualifies participants to place bids.

Auction Day and Bidding

• The auction takes place online, allowing participants to bid in real-time.

• The starting bid for each property covers the total taxes owed, including interest, penalties, and court costs.

• The highest bidder wins the property and must pay the full purchase price by the specified deadline.

Payment and Transfer

1. Winning bidders must pay the full amount electronically within a short time frame, usually one or two business days.
2. Once payment is confirmed, the county transfers ownership through a Treasurer’s Deed.
3. Buyers assume all risks related to the property, as the county does not guarantee its condition or legal status.

Tax Title Properties

1. Properties not sold during the auction become tax title properties owned by Pierce County.
2. The county may offer these properties in future auctions or sell them through direct negotiations.
3. Buyers interested in tax title properties should contact the county for additional details.

Key Tips for Buyers

• Conduct thorough research on the property’s legal status, location, and condition before bidding.

• Review the auction’s terms and conditions to understand all obligations.

• Verify whether any additional liens or encumbrances exist on the property.

• Plan your finances to ensure you can meet the payment deadlines if you win a bid.

Useful Links

• Auction Calendar
• Investing in Washington Tax Sales
• 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! 

Take Action

Keep track of the Auction Calendar and take the first step toward participating in these opportunities. Don’t miss out! If you need expert guidance, book a call with a professional who can guide you through every stage of the process. Additionally, explore our free resources for tips and strategies to make well-informed investment decisions.

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