Blog / State spotlights

Wyoming tax sales: the season preview

What's actually for sale

Wyoming sells tax lien certificates. No rate or premium bidding: purchasers are chosen by random draw/lottery and pay taxes, interest and costs face value, so allocation — not price — is the competition. Purchaser must pre-register in person in counties such as Laramie; subsequent taxes may be paid by the purchaser and also earn 15%.

The rate that decides your return

15% per year plus a one-time 3% penalty on the day of purchase (W.S. 39-13-108; county treasurer guidance)

The clock you're investing against

Sale schedule: Annual county sales, typically July-September; exact date set by each county (e.g. Laramie County the Thursday after Cheyenne Frontier Days in late July, Platte County in July)

Redemption: 4 years from the date of the tax lien sale; the purchaser may apply for a tax deed after 4 years and no later than 6 years from the sale (W.S. 39-13-108, 39-13-109)

Where the sales happen

Mostly in-person at the county treasurer / courthouse, allocated by random draw / lottery among registered purchasers, Some counties list sales online (e.g. via Bid4Assets listings / county online lottery) — confirm with the county. 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.

Deep dives: Wyoming laws · Wyoming investing guide · Wyoming sale calendar. Law verified 2026-10-30.