LA County Tax Sale Auction Calendar 2026
The LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector holds its annual tax default property auction on Bid4Assets every October. This calendar covers every important date - from registration opening to final payment deadlines - so you never miss a step.
2026 LA County Tax Sale Key Dates
The LA County tax sale follows a predictable annual schedule. While the county confirms exact dates each year, the timeline below reflects the typical schedule based on prior years. We update these dates as soon as the county publishes them officially.
Jun
2026
County Publishes Preliminary Property List
The LA County Treasurer typically publishes a preliminary list of tax-defaulted properties scheduled for the October sale. This list is subject to change as owners redeem their properties before the auction date.
Aug
2026
Legal Notices Published
The county publishes legal notices in a newspaper of general circulation and mails notice to all known interested parties. This is when the auction becomes public knowledge and serious research should begin.
Sep
2026
Bid4Assets Registration Opens
Registration opens on Bid4Assets.com approximately 4-6 weeks before the auction. You must create an account, submit your $5,000 deposit, and complete identity verification. Wire transfers take 3-5 business days, so do not wait until the deadline.
Oct
Early
Registration Deadline & Last Day to Redeem
The registration deadline is typically one to two weeks before the auction start. This is also approximately the last day property owners can redeem by paying all back taxes and penalties. Properties redeemed after the list is published are withdrawn from the sale.
Oct
Mid
Auction Begins on Bid4Assets
The auction typically runs for 5-7 business days in mid-to-late October. Properties are grouped into daily batches, so you need to know which day your target parcels are scheduled. Each batch usually opens at 8:00 AM Pacific and bidding closes at a set time with automatic extensions.
Oct
Late
Payment Due Within 48 Hours of Winning
Winning bidders must complete payment within 48 hours. Wire transfer is the fastest and most reliable method. Failure to pay results in forfeiture of your $5,000 deposit and potential banning from future sales.
Nov
2026
Tax Deeds Recorded
After payment clears, the county records the tax deed with the LA County Registrar-Recorder. You receive the deed by mail, typically 4-8 weeks after the sale. This is when ownership officially transfers.
Your Preparation Timeline
Smart investors start preparing months before the auction. Here is a recommended timeline for first-time LA County tax sale bidders.
6 Months Out (April - May)
Set your budget and begin studying the LA County tax sale process. Read our complete buyer guide to understand registration, bidding, and post-sale procedures. Set up your Bid4Assets account early.
3 Months Out (July)
When the preliminary property list is published, begin researching parcels. Focus on areas with strong investment potential like Lancaster, Palmdale, and Long Beach. Use our scored property list to narrow your targets.
6 Weeks Out (September)
Complete your Bid4Assets registration and submit your $5,000 deposit. Drive by or virtually inspect your top target properties. Set maximum bid amounts for each parcel based on comparable sales and assessed values.
Auction Week (October)
Review the final property list for any last-minute withdrawals (properties redeemed by owners). Ensure your payment funds are readily accessible. Bid with discipline - stick to your pre-set maximum bids and do not get caught in bidding wars.
Never Miss a Deadline
Subscribe to Tax Sale Intel and get notified when the LA County property list is published, when registration opens, and when our scored parcel data is ready. We do the research so you can focus on winning bids.
Related Resources
LA County Tax Sale Buyer Guide
Complete guide to registration, bidding, and winning at the LA County tax sale.
LA County Tax Sale Property List
Browse scored parcels with equity analysis and investment ratings for every available property.
Palmdale Tax Sale Properties
Explore investment-scored parcels in Palmdale, a top target area for LA County tax sales.
Long Beach Tax Sale Properties
Discover investment opportunities in Long Beach, one of LA County's most active markets.