The TaxLienSimple Index / Washington
Washington Tax-Lien & Tax-Deed Investing
What Washington 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. After a court foreclosure judgment, the county treasurer sells to the highest and best bidder (minimum bid = taxes + interest + costs) and conveys fee title by treasurer's deed under RCW 84.64.080.
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 Washington
| # | County | TaxLienSimple Index | Live parcels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | King County | C 51 | 131 |
| 2 | Pierce County | C 50 | 85 |
| 3 | Snohomish County | C 48 | 4 |
| 4 | Spokane County | C 47 | 86 |
Washington tax sale — FAQ
What is the TaxLienSimple Index for Washington?
Washington scores 47/100 (Tier C), ranked #32 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 Washington?
n/a — no ordinary post-sale redemption, so investors earn no redemption interest or penalty; return is the discount on the treasurer's deed. Redemption period: None after the sale for ordinary owners (redemption closes end of business the day before the sale, RCW 84.64.070). Narrow exceptions: a 3-year window for minors/legally incompetent owners, and a 120-day federal redemption right where an IRS lien attached.. After a court foreclosure judgment, the county treasurer sells to the highest and best bidder (minimum bid = taxes + interest + costs) and conveys fee title by treasurer's deed under RCW 84.64.080.
What is Washington's statutory return on a tax lien or tax deed purchase?
n/a — no ordinary post-sale redemption, so investors earn no redemption interest or penalty; return is the discount on the treasurer's deed. After a court foreclosure judgment, the county treasurer sells to the highest and best bidder (minimum bid = taxes + interest + costs) and conveys fee title by treasurer's deed under RCW 84.64.080.
What is the bid method for Washington tax sales?
Washington uses a highest bid (deed) method for its tax deed sales.
Does Washington use tax-lien auctions or tax-deed sales?
Washington uses a tax deed system. After a court foreclosure judgment, the county treasurer sells to the highest and best bidder (minimum bid = taxes + interest + costs) and conveys fee title by treasurer's deed under RCW 84.64.080.
See the actual parcels in Washington
Browse the live tax-lien, deed and foreclosure inventory we track — search by county, redemption window and opening bid.
Browse live auction inventory → · Washington tax delinquent property list → · Washington state guide → · Set a max bid → · Academy: what a tax deed is — you can own it →© 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.