Virginia Tax Sale Laws — Investor Guide

The government transfers the deed directly to the winning bidder at auction.

Redemption Period

No redemption period

Max Interest Rate

N/A

IRS Lien Survives

Yes — verify before bidding

Foreclosure Required

Yes — to convert lien to deed

Quiet Title Required

Yes

Counties Covered

95 counties

Quiet Title Required in Virginia

Before a title insurer will issue a policy on a tax deed property in Virginia, you'll need to complete a quiet title action.

$1,500–$5,000

Legal Fees

6–18 mo

Timeline

How Tax Sales Work in Virginia

Virginia conducts judicial tax sales through circuit court. After delinquency, the locality may file a bill in equity to sell the property. The court confirms the sale and issues a special commissioner's deed. There is no post-sale redemption right once the court confirms the sale. Quiet title is recommended. IRS liens survive if the IRS was not properly notified.

Quick Due Diligence Checklist for Virginia

Verify property is still on the auction list within 48 hours of sale (redemptions happen until the last minute)

Check for federal IRS liens — they survive the tax sale in Virginia

Search for HOA liens and municipal code violations — these may survive in some counties

Budget for foreclosure costs — required in Virginia to convert a lien to deed

Budget for quiet title action — required in Virginia before title insurance will issue

Drive the property or use street view to confirm structure exists and is accessible

Verify assessed value vs. back taxes owed — if taxes exceed assessed value, it may be a junk property

Source: Va. Code Ann. §58.1-3965 et seq. · Verified: January 2025 · Always verify current laws directly with the Virginia state statutes and your county treasurer. This is not legal or investment advice.

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