Last Updated on December 14, 2025
Arizona Tax Lien Sale Process
Arizona uses tax lien sales, not tax deed auctions. When a property owner does not pay property taxes, the county treasurer can sell a tax lien certificate to investors. You are not buying the property at the auction. You are paying the delinquent taxes, and the lien earns interest if the owner redeems.
In Arizona, most counties run the sale online, and many hold it in February. Each county sets its own schedule, rules, and bidder requirements, so always read the county’s bidding rules before you fund an account or bid.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona uses tax lien sales instead of tax deed auctions, allowing investors to buy tax lien certificates.
- Counties run the sales online, typically in February, with specific rules and schedules for each county.
- Bidding usually involves lowering the interest rate, with investors receiving payment if the property owner redeems the lien.
- Buyers must find their county’s sale website, research parcels, register, and bid to get a Certificate of Purchase.
- The owner can redeem the lien within three years or the certificate holder can pursue a treasurer’s deed if not redeemed.
Arizona Tax Lien Sale At A Glance
| Topic | What it means in Arizona | Where to confirm |
| What gets sold | A tax lien certificate (not the deed) | County Treasurer tax lien page |
| How bidding works | Usually bid the interest rate down (max rate is set by law) | County “bidding rules” |
| Investor return | Interest paid when the owner redeems | Arizona statutes and county rules |
| Redemption window | The owner can redeem within the legal period by paying taxes, fees, and interest | Arizona statutes and county rules |
| If not redeemed | After the waiting period, the certificate holder may start a court process to try to get a treasurer’s deed | Arizona statutes and county info |
| Unsold liens | Many counties offer an over-the-counter list | County OTC list |
How The Arizona Tax Lien Sale Works?
- Step 1: Find the county sale website.
Arizona is county-run, so you must start with the specific county treasurer. Many counties post an “official auction site” link, plus a bidder guide.
- Step 2: Review the delinquent list and research.
Counties publish a list of parcels that will be offered. Your job is to research the parcel, location, access, and any issues that can make the lien risky. A lien is only as good as the property behind it.
- Step 3: Register and fund your bidder account.
Most online platforms require registration and a deposit or pre-funding. Deadlines matter. If you miss the funding deadline, you may not be able to bid.
- Step 4: Bid during the sale.
In many Arizona counties, the bid is based on the interest rate you will accept, with the winning bidder often being the one who accepts the lowest rate. Read the county rules because some counties also allow premium bidding or have batch timing.
- Step 5: Get the Certificate of Purchase.
If you win, the treasurer issues a certificate for that parcel. Keep your records. If you later pay any subsequent taxes allowed by the county, track those too.
- Step 6: Redemption or deed path.
If the owner redeems, the treasurer collects the amounts due and you receive your payoff based on the certificate terms. If the owner does not redeem, Arizona law allows the certificate holder, after the required time, to file an action to foreclose the right to redeem. If you win that process, the court can lead to a treasurer’s deed.
Key Numbers To Know at Arizona Tax Lien Sale
| Item | Common Arizona rule |
| Maximum interest rate | Up to 16% (set by law) |
| Earliest time before deed action | After 3 years (court foreclosure process required) |
| Lien life limit in some county guidance | Foreclosure right can expire if you wait too long |
FAQ
No. You own a tax lien certificate. The deed comes only after the legal process and only if you meet all requirements.
They pay the county treasurer the amount paid for the lien, plus interest at the certificate rate, plus any allowed later taxes and interest, plus fees required by law.
Arizona law allows redemption within three years after the sale, and it can also be redeemed after three years until a treasurer’s deed is issued.
No. The legal framework is statewide, but the sale date, platform, registration steps, deposits, and bidding format can vary by county.
Many counties offer an over-the-counter list. The rules and interest treatment can differ, so you must follow that county’s instructions.
