Tax delinquent property investing, explained for beginners

TaxSalePilot turns confusing county tax sale data into plain-English guides, free calculators, and state-by-state rules — so you can research your first tax deed or tax lien deal with confidence.

All calculators New? Start here: Deed vs Lien

Run your numbers right now

The Maximum Bid Calculator — set your walk-away number before auction day.

See all 4 calculators →

Estimated market value$What the property would sell for today. Use real sale prices of similar properties nearby — not the county's assessed value.Target discount (your profit cushion)%How much cheaper than market value you insist on buying. At 40%, a property worth $25,000 must cost you $15,000 or less, all-in — so you build in $10,000 of profit before you even bid.Estimated repair / cleanup costs$Closing & holding costs$Quiet title, recording, taxes, insurance

Bid up to $12,000

Any winning bid at or below this number keeps your target margin. Write it down and do not exceed it at auction.

How the property's value splits at your max bid

Max bid $12,000Closing & holding $3,000Your equity $10,000

Maximum bid$12,000

All-in cost at max bid$15,000

Implied equity$10,000

Browse by state

Florida

Tax lien certificates + tax deed auctions

Beginner friendliness: ★★★★★

Texas

Redeemable tax deeds

Beginner friendliness: ★★★☆☆

Georgia

Redeemable tax deeds

Beginner friendliness: ★★★☆☆

Alabama

Tax liens (most counties; formerly tax certificates)

Beginner friendliness: ★★★☆☆

Arizona

Tax lien certificates

Beginner friendliness: ★★★★☆

Get the free due diligence checklist

One email per week: new auction dates, beginner tips, and county research notes. No spam.