What a Texas tax sale is
When property taxes go unpaid, taxing units can sue and obtain a court judgment. The property is then sold at a public auction run by the sheriff or a constable under an order of sale, usually on the first Tuesday of the month at the courthouse, the same day as trustee sales. These are commonly called sheriff sales or constable sales.
Redemption: the big difference
Unlike a mortgage foreclosure, a tax-sale purchase can be undone by the former owner. Under Texas Tax Code §34.21, the owner of a residence homestead or land designated for agricultural use can redeem within two years after the purchaser's deed is recorded; for most other property the period is 180 days. Redemption requires paying the bid amount plus a premium (25% in the first year and 50% in the second year for homestead and agricultural land) and certain costs.
Where tax-sale lists come from
Tax sales are announced by the sheriff or constable, and many counties publish lists through the delinquent-tax law firm that represents the taxing units. Lists change often as owners pay before the sale. AuctionEmber includes tax-sale notices where the county data is available and links to official sources.
If nobody bids
If the minimum bid is not met, the property may be struck off to a taxing unit, which can resell it later. Those resale properties are a separate opportunity worth tracking in counties you follow.
Before you bid
Read the judgment and order of sale, confirm the legal description, check for other liens, and understand that you may not get possession until the redemption period ends. Get advice from a Texas real-estate attorney.
General information, not legal, financial or investment advice. Statutes change; check the current Texas code and talk to a Texas real-estate attorney before you bid.