Last Updated on September 7, 2025
How Can We Find a County Tax Sale List?
Every county in the United States sells tax‑defaulted property to recover unpaid taxes. When property owners do not pay their taxes by 12:01 a.m. on July 1, the parcels become “tax‑defaulted land.” Once taxes remain unpaid for several years—five years in most cases—the county treasurer must sell the property to collect the outstanding taxes. The most common method is a public auction conducted by the county’s tax collector. To participate in these auctions or research potential investments, you need the county’s tax sale list, also called a delinquent property list.
This guide walks you through the process we use to locate those lists. Our method comes from years of buying tax deeds and tax liens; it’s straightforward and doesn’t require any special software.
What Is a County Tax Sale List?
A county tax sale list is a public document that identifies properties scheduled for sale at a tax auction. It usually includes the parcel number, owner name, minimum bid, and sometimes the address. Depending on the county, the list may be called a tax delinquent list, tax deed sale list, or property auction list. The list is often delivered as a downloadable spreadsheet or PDF.
The State Controller’s Office of California notes that county tax collectors are required to publish notices of tax sales and provide information to the public. The easiest way to access the list is through the county’s website or by requesting it directly from the county tax collector’s office
Why Are County Websites Hard to Use?
Many county websites were built years ago and are not updated frequently. CivicPlus, a government technology company, observes that the public often complains about dealing with unsophisticated systems and paper forms, feeling like they are interacting with technology from 1995. Limited budgets and complex procurement processes mean some counties still rely on dated layouts and navigation.
On top of that, there are more than 3,000 counties in the United States. Each has its own way of labeling tax sale information. Some call it a tax delinquent list, others call it overage list, and many place the link deep within the site. In the video, we show that patience and a systematic approach are essential when exploring each county’s site.
What Tools Do We Use?
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has a free tool for finding basic information about any county. According to NACo, it is the only national organisation representing county governments; it provides services to the 3,068 counties in the U.S., advances issues before the federal government, and helps counties share innovative solutions. NACo’s Find a County tool helps identify a county’s website, phone number, and key officials.
Below is a step‑by‑step table summarising our process:
| Step | Action |
| 1. Identify the county | Decide which county you want to research (e.g., based on investment goals or geographic preferences). |
| 2. Use NACo’s “Find a County” tool | Visit N A C O (NACo) and type the county name into the search box to locate its official website, tax collector, and phone number. |
| 3. Navigate to the county website | Click the county website link provided by NACo. Make note of the tax assessor or treasurer contact information. |
| 4. Locate the tax sale list | Search the site for terms like “tax delinquent list,” “property auction list,” or “tax sale.” Look under the treasurer, tax collector, or treasurer‑tax collector sections. |
| 5. Download or request the list | If the list is available online, download it (usually as a spreadsheet). If not, call the county’s tax collector to request it; some counties may email or mail it. |
| 6. Verify and analyze | Check the list’s publication date and confirm whether properties are still available. Drive by the properties if possible (while respecting local laws) and conduct due diligence. |
Detailed Walk‑through
Step 1: Decide on a County
Before hunting for lists, decide which county fits your investment plan. Consider factors like population growth, redemption periods, bidding rules, and the types of tax sales (lien or deed). You can learn more about selecting properties in our post on how to pick properties for tax deed sales (internal link).
Step 2: Use NACo to Find Basic Information
Go to www.naco.org and select “Find a County.” Type the county name into the search box. NACo will show multiple counties with similar names; choose the correct state. The results include the county seat, board of commissioners, tax assessor, tax collector, and website. This tool is indispensable because it puts every county’s contact data in one place, saving hours of research.
Step 3: Explore the County Website
Click the website link from NACo. We recommend keeping track of the tax assessor’s or treasurer’s phone number in case you need to call later. Once on the website:
- Look for departments such as Treasurer, Tax Collector, Assessor, or Finance.
- Use the site’s search bar (if available) and enter “tax sale,” “tax delinquent list,” or “auction.”
- Check for sections labeled Tax Sale Calendar or Auction Schedule.
If the site is dated or lacks a search function, manually browse through departments. Don’t be discouraged; outdated websites often hide valuable information behind simple text links.
Step 4: Download or Request the List
Not all counties post their lists online. Some counties in Georgia provide downloadable spreadsheets, while others require you to call. The California State Controller’s Office advises contacting the county tax collector directly for the most accurate and up‑to‑date auction information. When you call, ask for the tax delinquent list or tax deed sale list, and specify how you would like to receive it (e.g., email or postal mail).
If the county charges a small fee for the list, be prepared to pay it. The cost is often nominal compared to the potential returns from a tax sale investment.
Step 5: Verify and Analyze the Data
A tax sale list is only a starting point. Before bidding, check:
- Date of the list – Ensure it’s recent.
- Property status – Drive by the property (when legal) to see if it’s occupied or damaged; avoid trespassing.
- Title issues – Some liens (e.g., IRS liens) may survive the tax sale.
- Redemption periods – Some states allow owners to redeem the property after the sale.
Our article on the #1 trait you need to succeed in tax liens and deeds explains why patience and attention to detail are essential.
FAQs
Tax sales usually occur once or twice a year, but the schedule varies by state. For example, California’s Revenue and Taxation Code requires tax collectors to publish notices of sale three times in a newspaper and to notify the State Controller’s Office 45–120 days before the sale. Many counties now conduct auctions online through platforms like Bid4Assets. Check your county’s site for dates.
If the website does not offer a download, call the treasurer’s office. Keep in mind that some counties charge for printed lists.
Yes. In a lien sale, you buy the tax lien certificate and earn interest when the owner redeems. In a deed sale, you acquire ownership of the property. Our partnering on deals guide explores both strategies in depth.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Finding a county tax sale list may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a systematic approach, you can obtain the information you need. Use the tax lien school vault to locate county websites and contacts, navigate the sites patiently, and don’t hesitate to call when necessary. Remember that tax‑defaulted properties are sold to return property to the tax rolls and that auctions are widely publicised. By understanding the process and doing your homework, you’ll be better positioned to secure profitable deals.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our free resources to learn how to buy tax liens and deeds safely. Download our mini‑course, join our YouTube channel, or schedule a free call for personalised guidance. Investing in tax liens and deeds can offer returns of up to 36% with the right approach—let’s help you get there.
