How to buy tax-sale property in Texas (2026)

1. 1.Find the sale on the county's posted notice; sales are on the first Tuesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the courthouse or its designated area (34.01(r), (r-1))
2. 2.If the county has adopted 34.011, register with the county assessor-collector and get a written registration statement before the sale begins
3. 3.Request a sworn statement of no delinquent taxes from the county assessor-collector (34.015(c))
4. 4.Bid at the in-person sale, or online where the commissioners court has authorized it (34.01(a-1), (r-2))
5. 5.Show the unexpired statement to the officer to receive the deed (34.015(b))

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

before the sale begins, where the county has adopted Tax Code 34.011

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

Statement of no delinquent taxes from the county assessor-collector (Tax Code 34.015; expires after 90 days; fee up to $10)

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.

Residency required: UnknownNo delinquent taxes: Yes

Deed is delivered only to the successful bidder named on an unexpired 34.015 statement

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.

Unknown

Not verified from a source yet.

Sources

• Tex. Tax Code 34.011(b)-(c)
• Tex. Tax Code 34.015(b)
• Tex. Tax Code 34.015(j)-(k)
• Tex. Tax Code 34.01(a-1), (r-1)

Registration (34.011) is a county option, and 34.015 applies by county population, so both vary by county. Deposit and payment terms are set locally and are not documented here.