Core Concepts
Tax Deed
The document a government issues to transfer a property to the buyer at a tax sale.
A tax deed conveys the property from the county (or the state, through the county) to the winning bidder. It is issued after the buyer pays in full and, in many states, after a set waiting period.
A tax deed is not the same as a title insurance policy. Some liens and interests can survive a tax sale, and many title insurers will not insure a tax-deed title until a quiet title action or a set period has passed.
How it works by state
- California
- The Tax Collector records the tax deed after the sale. Certain easements, and some government liens, can survive.
- Florida
- The Clerk issues the tax deed after the winning bidder pays the full bid, documentary stamp tax, and recording fees.
- Michigan
- Michigan buyers receive a deed from the foreclosing governmental unit after the auction.
General information, reviewed 2026-10-12. Not legal advice. Rules change and each county publishes its own sale terms; confirm with the county before bidding.
Related terms
- Tax SaleA public sale a local government holds to collect unpaid property taxes, by selling either the property itself or a claim against it.
- Quiet TitleA lawsuit that confirms who owns a property and clears competing claims.
- Title InsuranceInsurance that protects an owner or lender against losses from defects in title.
- Tax Deed ApplicationIn Florida, the request a tax certificate holder files to force a public sale of the property.