Sale typeWhat you actually buy. A lien sale gives you a claim on the property and the owner keeps it for now; a deed sale transfers the property itself. A redeemable deed transfers ownership but still gives the former owner time to pay you back. See the full glossary for more terms.
deed
Idaho Code § 63-1007 (tax deed); § 31-808 (county sale by deed)
Interest / penaltyWhat you earn when the owner redeems. Interest is a rate paid over time; a penalty is usually a one-time percentage of the tax or redemption amount. A rate that is bid down during the auction is still interest. See the full glossary for more terms.
RedemptionHow long the former owner has to repay the debt and keep the property after the sale. Your money stays tied up until this window closes, so a long period can mean a multi-year wait on a lien. See the full glossary for more terms.
14 months from issuance of tax deed to county
Idaho Code § 63-1007(2)
Bid methodHow the winner is chosen: bidding the interest rate down, bidding a premium above the amount owed, a random or rotating draw, or simply buying at the minimum bid. See the full glossary for more terms.
highest bidder at public auction
Idaho Code § 31-808(1)
Sale timingWhen sales are typically held. Many counties publish sale lists only a few weeks ahead, and some sell continuously or on their own schedule. See the full glossary for more terms.
varies by county
Idaho Code § 31-808(1) (auction within 14 months of tax deed)
In personWhether the sale is online, in person, by sealed bid, or a mix. The format decides how you register and whether you can react to other bids. See the full glossary for more terms.
1.Wait for the county to acquire title: if a real property delinquency is not redeemed within three years from the date of delinquency, the county tax collector must make, in favor of the county, a tax deed for the property after the required notice and affidavit of compliance (Idaho Code 63-1005(1)); the board of county commissioners then directs the tax collector to issue and record the tax deed in favor of the county (Idaho Code 63-1006(1))
2.Watch for the published auction notice: before offering the property the board of county commissioners must advertise the auction in a newspaper not less than ten calendar days before the auction, and for tax-deeded property the notice must include the taxpayer's name and the legal description and street address (Idaho Code 31-808(1))
3.Bid at the public auction: the property is sold to the highest bidder, but the board sets a minimum bid that includes all property taxes owing plus interest and costs and may reject any bid below that amount; the auction for tax-deeded property must be held no later than fourteen months from the issuance of the tax deed (Idaho Code 31-808(1))
4.Pay the successful bid plus all fees required by law for the transfer of the property; no deed is delivered to the purchaser until the deed has been recorded in the county making the sale (Idaho Code 31-808(5))
5.Receive the county deed; after the sale the board must notify all parties in interest within thirty days of the sale and the amount of any excess proceeds, which are apportioned and paid in priority (Idaho Code 31-808(2)(b)-(c))
6.Note the redemption window: the record owner or any party in interest may redeem until the county commissioners enter a contract of sale or the property is transferred by county deed (Idaho Code 63-1007(1)); if neither occurs, the right of redemption expires fourteen months from the date the tax deed issued to the county (Idaho Code 63-1007(2))
RegistrationSigning up as a bidder before the sale. Counties set the deadlines and paperwork, which may include an application, identification, and a no-delinquent-taxes statement. See the full glossary for more terms.
Required: UnknownUnknown
Not verified from a source yet.
DepositMoney you must post before or at the sale, often a flat amount or a percentage of your bid. It is usually applied to the purchase price if you win and is often non-refundable if you fail to pay. See the full glossary for more terms.
Required: UnknownUnknown
Not verified from a source yet.
FormsPaperwork a county may collect before you can bid, such as a bidder ID card or a W-9 for tax reporting. See the full glossary for more terms.
Bidder ID card: UnknownW-9: Unknown
EligibilityRules about who may bid. Some counties restrict non-residents or bar anyone who owes delinquent taxes from participating. See the full glossary for more terms.
PaymentHow and when you must pay after winning. Certified or cleared funds are common and personal checks usually are not; missing the deadline typically forfeits your deposit. See the full glossary for more terms.