Washington
Washington sells the deed outright at county auction and the buyer takes ownership immediately — there's no general redemption period for the former owner to reclaim the property. The one carve-out is narrow and rarely relevant to a typical bidder: if the prior owner was a minor, legally incompetent, or in active military service at the time of sale, they have up to three years to challenge it, a protection built into the law rather than a standard buy-back right.
Deep-dive guideSurplus funds after a Washington tax sale →
No redemption period at all — but 3 years to claim the excess, then the county keeps it.
Upcoming Washington county auctions
Full calendar →| Pierce County | Nov 9, 2026 | deed | Source ↗ |
| Pierce County | Nov 9, 2026 | deed | Source ↗ |
| Clallam County | Nov 10, 2026 | deed | Source ↗ |
| Snohomish County | Nov 17, 2026 | deed | Source ↗ |
| Spokane County | Dec 7, 2026 | deed | Source ↗ |
| Jefferson County | Dec 9, 2026 | deed | Source ↗ |
Quick answers
Is Washington a tax lien or tax deed state?+
Washington is a tax deed state.
What's the interest rate or penalty in Washington?+
In Washington, the rate is: None — deed sold at auction.
How long is the redemption period in Washington?+
The redemption period in Washington is None (narrow exception: 3 years for minors, incompetent owners, or active military).
Not sure how Washington's system compares to a state you already know? Read Tax Lien vs. Tax Deed: What's the Difference? for the full breakdown.
Planning to resell or finance a Washington tax deed? Read You Won a Tax Deed. Why Can't You Sell It Yet? before you assume the deed alone is enough.
This page is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rates and redemption periods are set by state statute and can change by county or legislative session — always confirm against the county's own auction notice before bidding.