Real Estate Tax Lien Questions

Treasurer

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What will be the interest rate for tax liens sold in 2024?

The annual rate of interest is set nine (9) percentage points above the discount rate effective September 1 each year per 39-12-103 (3) C.R.S.

What is the redemption period of a tax lien?

Three (3) years from the original sale date.

If the tax lien is not redeemed within the three (3) year period, what do I do?

  • You may contact our office to obtain an ‘Application for a Public Auction of a Certificate of Option for a Treasurer’s Deed.’ Due to the recent statutory changes in how a Treasurer’s Deed must be processed, applications are provided on a scheduled basis.
  • If you do not wish to file for the Public Auction, tax liens will expire after 15 years if no actions are taken.

Is there a fee to apply for a tax deed?

Yes. The deed application fee is $1,300.00 per tax lien sale certificate of purchase.

Do tax liens expire?

Yes. Unredeemed tax liens will expire on the 15th anniversary of the sale date.

What happens to unsold tax liens?

Unsold tax liens are struck to the County and are available for assignment.

Is a list of unsold tax liens available?

Yes. The list of County Held Tax Liens is available on our website under “Tax Lien Sale” > “County Held Tax Liens” or a hard copy may be requested from our office for a $5.00 fee made payable to the El Paso County Treasurer. Please keep in mind, this list includes properties that were not picked up at our annual tax lien sale. This is traditionally intentional, as many of these properties are irregular in size, inaccessible, landlocked, hillside properties, or drainage basins that were never deeded from a plat. Please do your research first before inquiring about a property.

If the tax lien is not redeemed within the three (3) year period, what do I do?

You may contact our office to obtain an ‘Application for a Public Auction of a Certificate of Option for a Treasurer’s Deed.’ Due to the recent statutory changes in how a Treasurer’s Deed must be processed, applications are provided on a scheduled basis.

Is there a fee to apply for a tax deed?

Yes. The deed application fee is $1,300.00 per tax lien sale certificate of purchase.

What do I receive from a tax deed?

The issuance of a valid tax deed creates new title to the property.

Can a tax deed be challenged?

Yes. Action may be brought within five (5) years of the date of issuance, or within nine (9) years if a person is under legal disability, to set aside a tax deed.

How often are tax lien sales held?

Tax lien sales are held once a year.

When will the next tax lien sale be held?

October 13, 2024

When and where are the tax liens to be sold advertised?

The list of unpaid real estate taxes is published in the Gazette for three (3) consecutive weeks beginning September 18th, 2024 .

How are the tax liens offered at the tax sale?

The Tax Lien Sale for the 2023 taxes payable in 2024 will be hosted online, with RealAuction. Additional information will be available after September 1st.

What governs tax sales in your County?

Tax sales are governed by Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), Title 39, Articles 10, 11 & 12.

What happens to tax lien sale overbids?

Per 39-11-115 of C.R.S., the excess amount is credited to the county general fund and is not recovered by the investor.

What do I have to do to be able to buy tax liens at the tax sale?

You must register with Real Auction to participate in our Tax Lien Sale. Registration for the 2023 Tax Sale will open on September 20, 2023.

How much do I have to put on deposit?

The required deposit with Real Auction is 10% of what you are intending to bid. Example: If you have $30,000 you would like to invest in tax liens, a minimum of $3,000 is required as deposit.

When I purchase a tax lien, what type of documentation do I receive?

You will receive a report which shows:

  • Reference number of the lien purchased
  • The book and certificate number of each lien purchased
  • The amount of the lien
  • The amount of any bonus bid
  • The schedule number of the property

How many real estate parcels were taxed in El Paso County for the 2019 taxes payable in 2020?

251,997

How many tax liens did you advertise for sale in 2020?

4,717

How many tax liens were sold in 2020?

2,361 (1,974 of which were sold in Category 2 – Automatic Rotation)

What was the total dollar amount of tax liens sold in 2020?

$4,875,242.77

How many buyers participated in the 2020 tax sale?

494 (468 in the Automatic Rotation)

How many tax liens were not purchased?

130