Public Online Auction . . .How It Works

When secured real property remains tax-defaulted for five years, it becomes subject to the Tax Collector's Power to Sell. The county tax collector may offer the property for sale at public auction, a sealed bid sale, or a negotiated sale to a public agency or qualified non-profit organization. Public auctions are the most common way of selling tax-defaulted property. The purpose of offering tax-defaulted property at auction is to collect the unpaid taxes and to convey the title of the property to a responsible owner. The auction is conducted by the county tax collector, and the property is sold to the highest bidder. The State Controller's website offers information about upcoming auctions throughout California.

The Madera County Tax Collector partners with Bid4Assets to provide Website Advertising and Auction Services for the annual defaulted property tax sale. 

Please be advised that taxes may be paid by 5:00PM on May 12, 2023, to avoid the sale.  Parcels will be removed from  list as they are redeemed.

Did you know

If you want to participate in the County Tax Sale you must pre-register. Anyone wishing to participate as a bidder in our tax sale must be registered to bid.

• Registration is not permitted through the mail
• Refund of the bid deposit shall be made to unsuccessful bidders within ten (10) business days after the close of the internet tax auction.
• Bid4assets shall transfer the deposit of the successful bidders (i.e., the highest bidder of each property auction) to the County of Madera where the deposit shall be credited toward their purchases.
• Research the property prior to bidding.  Due diligence research is incumbent on the bidder.
• The winning bidder is legally obligated to purchase the property.   

To purchase a property through the online auction, you must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Be a valid, registered bidder and submitted the required deposit
3. Have sufficient payment in the proper form to complete your purchase(s)

Research Before You Invest 

• You should inspect the property before investing. The burden is on the purchaser to thoroughly research, before the sale, any matters relevant to his or her decision to purchase. The County's sole interest in the sale is the recovery of back taxes.
• Tax Collector cannot guarantee the current, future, or potential use and/or condition of the property nor assume any responsibility for conformance to codes, permits or zoning ordinances.
• It is recommended that bidders consult with the Zoning Department of any city within which a particular parcel lies, or the Zoning Section of the County Planning Department for an unincorporated area parcel. Tax-defaulted property will be sold on an "as is" basis.  Any costs incurred by the purchaser during the process will be borne by the purchaser.
• All parties considering tax sale lots should contact the Planning Division by calling (559) 675-7821 for development information. Some lots may have one or more development constraints.
• Many title companies may not insure title on properties sold at public auction for at least one (1) to five (5) years after the tax deed has been recorded.