What are the payment requirements at the sale?

A $500 refundable deposit is required when you register (cash or cashier's check). If a bidder is successful in the purchase of a property, the $500 cash deposit will be applied to the purchase price. Unsuccessful bidders will be refunded their deposit at the conclusion of the sale. All sales require full payment, which includes the transfer tax and recording fee. 

At the tax collector's discretion, purchases over $5,000 may be paid for on a credit payment plan; however, 10% of the bid or $5,000, whichever is greater, is required to be deposited at the time of the sale. The balance is payable in lawful money of the United States or negotiable paper, as specified by the tax collector, within a period specified by the tax collector, not to exceed 90 days from the date of the auction, as a condition precedent to the transfer of title to the purchaser. If the balance due is not paid within the period specified, the deposit is forfeited, along with all rights with respect to the property (§3693.1). Personal checks will not be accepted. All cashier's checks must be made payable to the Placer County Tax Collector. 

If you need additional funds after winning a bid, you have up to on (1) hour after the close of the auction to go to a bank and return. There is a list of area banks listed on the main Tax Land Sale website: https://www.placer.ca.gov/1427/Tax-Land-Sale   

For more information, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 530-889-4120.

Show All Answers

1. What is the date and location of the sale?
2. When and where is the sale advertised?
3. How and when do I register for the tax sale?
4. What are the payment requirements at the sale?
5. What is the bidding process?
6. What type of document is issued at the sale?
7. Are there any other expenses in addition to the cost of the lien?
8. What are the foreclosure and eviction processes and will the county handle these processes for a fee?
9. What happens to the properties that are not sold at the Tax Land Sale?
10. Do you allow individuals to purchase Tax Lien Certificates?
11. If I am unable to attend the public auction, can I purchase property via mail, phone or fax? Can I send a representative to the sale to bid for me?
12. What if I have questions and cannot find the answers online?
13. How may I obtain a copy of the statutes regarding tax sales in your jurisdiction?
14. Do liens or encumbrances on a tax-defaulted property transfer to the new owner after purchase of the property at a tax sale?
15. Is there any reason the tax sale may be postponed?
16. What about Excess Proceeds? Am I eligible?