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Public Tax Auction Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail in or submit a sealed bid for a property in a public auction?
No. The public auction requires your presence, or that of a representative, to orally bid on the properties.
Can I obtain a property available at the tax sale by paying the delinquent taxes prior to the tax sale date?
No. Legal title to a tax-defaulted property subject to the Tax Collector's power to sell is obtained by becoming the successful bidder at the tax sale. Paying taxes on such property will only cause its redemption to the assessed owner. You may purchase the property from the owner and then pay all the taxes prior to the tax sale.
How do I find or see a property I would like to bid on at the sale?
Vacant land often has no address. The approximate geographic location can be determined by the county assessor's plat maps. Exact boundary lines can only be determined by a survey of the property initiated at the purchasers expense. Improved properties may bear a situs (street) address, however bidders should verify independently the accuracy of the address.
How can a bidder pay for a property at the tax sale?
All sales are for cash, or pre-approved money orders, traveler's checks or cashiers checks issued by financial institutions pre-approved by the tax collector. It is the bidder's responsibility to discuss payment methods other than cash with the tax collector staff before bidding. No personal or business checks accepted.

Persons desiring to pay by withdrawing funds from a line of credit with a financial institution must receive approval from the tax collector at least 24 hours prior to the auction.

Pre-approval of money orders, traveler's checks, cashiers checks or proof of line of credit is within the sole and absolute discretion of the Tax Collector. Parties intending to use such non-cash forms of payment assume the risk that the Tax Collector may deem, in his or her discretion, that the specific cash substitute proposed is not adequate.

What do the terms "pre-approved money order" and "pre-approved line of credit " mean?
Pre-approved money orders
Money orders and/or travelers checks which the bidder has had approved for payment by the Humboldt County Tax Collector prior to the auction.
CAUTION: It is prudent to request approval at least five business days prior to the auction to guarantee the financial institution issuing these will be approved.
Pre-approved line of credit
Line of credit with immediate access to the funds on the date of the auction and issued by a financial institution approved by the Humboldt County Tax Collector.
CAUTION: The request for approval MUST be submitted to the Humboldt County Tax Collector AT LEAST 24 hours prior to the auction. (Funds could be wired). It is preferable to get approval five business days prior to the sale.
What are the conditions of payment for a property at the tax sale?
All successful bidders must pay in full by the end of the sale.
Do liens or encumbrances on a tax-defaulted property transfer to the new owner after purchase of the property at tax sale?
Section 3712 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code states: "The tax deed conveys title to the purchaser free of all encumbrances of any kind existing before the sale, except:

  1. Any lien for installments of taxes and special assessments, which installments will become payable upon the secured roll after the time of the sale.

  2. The lien for taxes or assessments or other rights of any taxing agency which does not consent to the sale under this chapter.

  3. Liens for special assessments levied upon the property conveyed which were, at the time of the sale under this chapter, not included in the amount necessary to redeem the tax-defaulted property, and, where a taxing agency which collects its own taxes has consented to the sale under this chapter, not included in the amount required to redeem from sale to the taxing agency.

  4. Easements, constituting servitude upon or burdens to the property; water rights, the record title to which is held separately from the title to the property; and restrictions of record.

  5. Unaccepted, recorded, irrevocable offers of dedication of the property to the public or a public entity for a public purpose, and recorded options of any taxing agency to purchase the property or any interest therein for a public purpose.

  6. Unpaid assessments under the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Division 10 [commencing with Section 8500] of the Streets and Highways Code) which are not satisfied as a result of the sale proceeds being applied pursuant to Chapter 1.3 (commencing with Section 4671) of Part 8.

  7. Any federal Internal Revenue Service liens which, pursuant to provisions of federal law, are not discharged by the sale, even though the tax collector has provided proper notice to the Internal Revenue Service before that date.

  8. Unpaid special taxes under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Chapter 2.5, commencing with Section 53311, of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) that are not satisfied as a result of the sale proceeds being applied pursuant to Chapter 1.3 (commencing with Section 4671) of Part 8."

When does the right to redeem a tax-defaulted property subject to the power to sell cease?
The right to redeem a tax-defaulted parcel subject to the power to sell ceases at the close of business on the last business day prior to the sale.
How can I determine what use I can make of a tax sale property before I purchase it?
Consult the zoning department of any city within which a property lies or the zoning section of the county department of planning and land use for a parcel in an unincorporated area regarding the use of the parcel. Examine the county recorder's records for any recorded easement on a property.
How soon can I take possession of a property after my purchase at the tax sale?
The successful bidder may take possession of a property after the following: payment in full, complying with any conditions set forth between the tax collector and the successful bidder, and recordation of the deed. This process usually takes approximately fifteen business days.
How soon may I begin improvement of the property after my purchase?
There is a one (1) year period of time, after the date the tax deed is executed that a proceeding based on alleged invalidity or irregularity of auction procedures can be commenced, pursuant to Section 3725 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.
If there is a Mobile Home on the parcel being sold, am I bidding on the Mobile Home also?
Unless the mobile home has a permanent foundation, you are bidding only on the land. Mobile homes are considered personal property unless they have a permanent foundation.
Is a tax sale publicly advertised?
Yes. State law dictates that notice of a tax sale must be published. We advertise upcoming auctions in the Times Standard, published in Eureka, California.