Is there a minimum bid?
o The minimum bid is the total of the taxes, penalties, interest, costs and fees in the delinquent tax judgment or the most recent tax appraised value of the property as determined in the judgment, whichever is less. The notices posted in the tax sale area of this website contain an estimated minimum bid if that information is available.
Who is eligible to bid?
o In counties with a population of 250,000 or more a successful bidder cannot owe any delinquent taxes to any taxing unit in the county, must bid in person, and cannot bid or purchase property in the name of another. The notices posted in the tax sale area of this website indicate if the no delinquent tax and in person bidding requirements apply.
o In counties with a population of less than 250,000 the above rule will apply if the commissioners’ court has adopted it. The notices posted in the tax sale area of this website indicate if the no delinquent tax and in person bidding requirements apply.
What proof is a bidder required to show that no delinquent taxes are owed?
o Bidders must request a written statement from the county tax assessor-collector of no delinquent taxes due. Most collectors offices provide a form with the required information.
What is acceptable payment?
o All sales are for cash. The officer conducting the sale will adjourn the sale to allow the successful bidder a short time to pay the cash price. However, if the cash price is not paid within that time, the sale will be reconvened in time to complete the sale before 4:00 p.m.
How long is the redemption period?
o The redemption period is two years for homestead property, agriculture use property and mineral interests and six months on all other types of property.
When does the redemption period begin to run?
o The redemption period begins to run when the sheriff or constable’s deed is filed for record with the county clerk.
When is the purchaser entitled to possession of the property?
o The purchaser is entitled to immediate possession of the property. However, if the property is occupied, the purchaser will have the opportunity to lease it to the occupant or evict the occupant through legal proceedings.
