You are able to obtain a bidder number by registering at maricopa.arizonataxsale.com and completing an IRS Form W-9, W-8BEN, or W-8BEN-E. A minimum deposit of $500 is required for each bidder and a deposit of 10% of your expected bids must be made prior to the close of any batch in which you intend to submit bids.
More information on the auction can be found on the county's website.
Tax lien auction participants place a bid on the interest rate. Interest rates start at 16% and are bid down in 1% increments. Property tax liens certificates are sold to the bidder that accepts the lowest rate. Tax lien certificate purchasers must also pay the amount of the taxes, interest, penalties and charges on the property.
If there is no bid for a tax lien, the county treasurer may pass it for the time and re-offer it after the sale until all tax liens are sold or until the county treasurer becomes satisfied that no more sales can be made.
The tax lien certificate will expire 10 years after the sale. To redeem a real property tax lien, a person must pay to the county treasurer:
Before the expiration of the tax lien (10 years) and any time beginning three years after the sale of a tax lien, the tax lien purchaser may start the proceedings to foreclose the right to redeem. The foreclosure action must be filed in the superior court of the county where the property is located. If any applicable law or court order prohibits bringing such an action, the limitation period is extended by twelve months following the termination of the prohibition.
Between 30 and 180 days prior to filing such an action, the holder is mandated to send a notice of intent via certified mail to:
Bidders are strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence in researching properties and obtaining the advice of legal counsel prior to purchasing tax liens in a county tax sale.