The TaxLienSimple Index / Texas
Texas Tax-Lien & Tax-Deed Investing
What Texas statute actually pays — return, redemption and bid method — cross-referenced with the live auction inventory we track. Every figure traces to state law or a county source.
Statutes verified Jul 29, 2026
Statutory note. Purchaser gets a deed at the sale but the former owner can redeem; the 25%/50% figures are one-time penalties on the total, not per-annum rates, and redemption length depends on property class (Tax Code §34.21).
Remote Investor Snapshot
Verified public-data profile for out-of-area investors — every figure below traces to the cited government source. Blank fields mean the source does not publish that value for this area (we never estimate).
Market & demographics
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year 2022
Housing market
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year 2022
Property-tax burden
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year 2022
Natural-hazard risk & safety
Source: FEMA National Risk Index (2023); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (2023 annual)
Growth & livability signals
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (2023); U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2022 (household broadband subscription; FCC availability not yet integrated); U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2022 (educational attainment — school-quality proxy; NCES ratings not yet integrated)
Risk & opportunity flags
Source: U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund / IRS designated Opportunity Zones; U.S. EPA (SEMS National Priorities List; ACRES Brownfields)
Counties we track in Texas
Texas tax sale — FAQ
What is the TaxLienSimple Index for Texas?
Texas scores 71/100 (Tier A), ranked #3 of 51 jurisdictions. The TaxLienSimple Index is a 0–100 research guide built from statutory terms and the inventory we track — not a yield, a guarantee, or investment advice. Realized returns depend on competition, redemption and your own due diligence. Verify every figure with the county before bidding.
How does redemption and return work in Texas?
Flat redemption premium (not annual interest): 25% of the total if redeemed in year 1, 50% if redeemed in year 2, for homestead/agricultural/mineral property; 25% flat for other property redeemed within the 180-day window. Premium applies regardless of how early redemption occurs. Redemption period: 2 years from filing of the purchaser's deed for residential homestead, agricultural-use land, and mineral interests; 180 days for all other property.. Purchaser gets a deed at the sale but the former owner can redeem; the 25%/50% figures are one-time penalties on the total, not per-annum rates, and redemption length depends on property class (Tax Code §34.21).
What is Texas's statutory return on a tax lien or tax deed purchase?
Flat redemption premium (not annual interest): 25% of the total if redeemed in year 1, 50% if redeemed in year 2, for homestead/agricultural/mineral property; 25% flat for other property redeemed within the 180-day window. Premium applies regardless of how early redemption occurs. Purchaser gets a deed at the sale but the former owner can redeem; the 25%/50% figures are one-time penalties on the total, not per-annum rates, and redemption length depends on property class (Tax Code §34.21).
What is the bid method for Texas tax sales?
Texas uses a highest bid (deed) method for its redeemable deed sales.
Does Texas use tax-lien auctions or tax-deed sales?
Texas uses a redeemable deed system. Purchaser gets a deed at the sale but the former owner can redeem; the 25%/50% figures are one-time penalties on the total, not per-annum rates, and redemption length depends on property class (Tax Code §34.21).
See the actual parcels in Texas
Browse the live tax-lien, deed and foreclosure inventory we track — search by county, redemption window and opening bid.
Browse live auction inventory → · Texas tax delinquent property list → · Texas state guide → · Set a max bid → · Academy: deed states and redeemable deeds →© 2026 TaxLienSimple · The TaxLienSimple Index is compiled from state tax statutes and county treasurer/tax-collector offices; live inventory counts reflect parcels currently tracked by TaxLienSimple and update continuously. Nothing here is investment or legal advice.