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1. What is a tax deed sale?

The properties offered through a Tax Deed Sale are properties that have been on the County Treasurer’s delinquent list but were not sold at the Treasurer’s Tax Lien Sale.  The properties have passed the allowed time for the homeowner to redeem the state tax liens and now have been deeded to the State of Arizona.  Graham County acts on behalf of the State of Arizona by selling properties for back taxes due, plus any liens and administrative fees. Once sold and deeded the properties will be assessed and put back on the tax roll under the new owner’s name.

2. When and where will the Tax Deed Sale auction be advertised?

The Tax Deed Sale is held in December.  The information will be advertised in the Eastern Arizona Courier once per week for two weeks before the sale.

3. How do I register for the Tax Deed Sale auction?

You will register the day of the sale.  No prior registration is required.

4. Are there additional fees?

There is a $100.00 administrative fee added to each parcel.  This will cover the cost of issuing the deed and recording the deed.  The fee is included in the minimum bid amount.

5. What type of payment is accepted?

Cashier’s Checks, Money Orders, or Cash are the only forms of payment accepted.

6. Will I receive a deed the day of the auction?

A Treasurer’s receipt will be issued at the close of the sale.  The sale is then approved by the Board of Supervisors at the next scheduled board meeting.  The deed will be issued and recorded within two weeks of the Board of Supervisor approval.

7. What if I cannot attend the sale or I am interested in a property not sold at the auction?

Parcels that are not sold at the auction will be placed on our Over the Counter list.  Once a property has been offered at a tax deed sale it will be available year round.  The list can be viewed on our OVER THE COUNTER TAX DEED LIST on the website.  You must fill out a form and file it with the Treasurer’s Office.  Your offer will be placed on the next Board of Supervisor Meeting Agenda for approval.  

8. Will you send me a list or put me on a mailing list?

We do not keep mailing lists. The information is available on the Graham County website.  You may purchase a list from the Treasurer’s Office for .25 per page.

9. What is the difference between a Tax Lien Sale and a Tax Deed Sale?

When you purchase a tax lien, you are not purchasing the property.  You are purchasing a lien against the property.  A tax lien holder is then eligible to receive interest back on the payment when the taxes are paid by the homeowner.  A tax lien holder has no rights to the property.  However, if the homeowner does not pay the taxes within a certain amount of the time, the lien holder can attempt to foreclose on the property to force payment or obtain a deed.  The Treasurer’s website has more information on this process.

When you purchase a property through a Tax Deed Sale, the property has already been through a tax lien sale and due to non-payment over several years has been deeded to the State of Arizona. These properties are available for the first time in December and then available over the counter throughout the year.  Once the tax deed process is complete a deed is issued to the purchaser.  The deed is issued WITHOUT WARRANTY.  The County does not warrant the title and the property is deeded AS IS.