TaxSaleNinja / State Guides / Washington

Tax Deed

Washington 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

No

Quiet Title Required

Yes

Counties Covered

39 counties

Quiet Title Required in Washington

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

$1,500–$5,000

Legal Fees

6–18 mo

Timeline

How Tax Sales Work in Washington

Washington is a tax deed state. After 3 years of delinquency, the county treasurer initiates foreclosure. The property is then auctioned publicly, typically in January or February. The winning bidder receives a county treasurer's deed. There is no post-sale redemption right once the deed is issued. Most junior liens are extinguished at sale. Quiet title is recommended. IRS liens survive if the IRS was not properly notified.

Quick Due Diligence Checklist for Washington

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 Washington
Search for HOA liens and municipal code violations — these may survive in some counties
Budget for foreclosure costs — required in Washington to convert a lien to deed
Budget for quiet title action — required in Washington 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: RCW §84.64.050 et seq. · Verified: January 2025 · Always verify current laws directly with the Washington state statutes and your county treasurer. This is not legal or investment advice.

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