What is a tax lien sale in Arizona?
In Arizona, when property owners fail to pay their property taxes, the county treasurer sells a tax lien certificate to investors. The investor pays the delinquent taxes and earns interest (up to 16% per year) when the owner redeems the property. If the owner doesn't pay within 3 years, the investor can foreclose.
When do Arizona tax lien sales happen?
Arizona tax lien sales typically occur in February each year. Each county sets its own exact date. Maricopa and Pima counties usually hold their sales in early February, while most other counties hold theirs mid-to-late February.
What is the interest rate on Arizona tax liens?
Arizona tax liens earn up to 16% interest per year. The actual rate is determined at auction — investors bid the interest rate DOWN from 16%. The lowest bidder wins the lien. This makes Arizona one of the most attractive states for tax lien investing.
What are surplus funds?
When a tax-foreclosed property sells at auction for more than the taxes owed, the excess money (surplus funds) belongs to the former property owner. Many owners don't know these funds exist. Counties hold these funds, and former owners can claim them — sometimes for years after the sale.
How do I participate in a tax sale?
Each Arizona county runs its own tax sale, usually online. You'll need to register with the county treasurer's office, deposit funds, and bid during the auction period. Our map and search tools help you research properties before the sale.
Is my data current?
We update our database regularly from county treasurer records. Property listings, tax amounts, and auction dates are refreshed as counties publish new data. Gold members receive email alerts when new properties are added.