Blog / State spotlights
Washington tax sales: the season preview
What's actually for sale
Washington sells tax deeds. Judicial foreclosure state: the treasurer files a certificate of delinquency in superior court, so timelines and sale dates are court-driven and vary by county. Delinquent interest (9%/yr for 1-4 unit residential, 12% otherwise) accrues to the county, not a lien buyer; minimum bid covers taxes, interest, penalties and foreclosure costs.
The rate that decides your return
n/a
The clock you're investing against
Sale schedule: Annual county judicial foreclosure sales, typically in fall/winter — many counties in November-December
Redemption: No post-sale redemption. Owner may redeem until close of business on the day before the foreclosure sale (RCW 84.64.060/.070). Exceptions: minors and legally incompetent persons may redeem within 3 years after sale (RCW 84.64.070), and IRS liens carry a 120-day redemption. Foreclosure begins after taxes are 3 years delinquent (RCW 84.64.050).
Where the sales happen
Bid4Assets (dominant for county foreclosure and tax-title sales), Public Surplus (some counties / tax-title sales), County treasurer pages. Lists post on the county's schedule, change as owners redeem, and registration typically closes before sale day — the investors who see the list first set the market.
Watch Washington lists for me
LienToDeed scans the published lists and texts you when new Washington properties post — scored, with a max bid or max rate.
Deep dives: Washington laws · Washington investing guide · Washington sale calendar. Law verified 2026-10-30.