Are District of Columbia tax sales a good opportunity?

District of Columbia sells tax lien certificates under D.C. Code §§ 47-1330–47-1385 (real property tax sales), esp. §§ 47-1360, 47-1361, 47-1370; older provisions at §§ 47-1304, 47-1306. Whether a specific sale is a good opportunity depends on the parcels listed, the competition at that county's sale, and your max number — which is why investors research the list, not the headline.

How do I get notified about District of Columbia tax sales?

Counties publish sale lists on their own schedules — Annual real property tax sale, typically in July (the 2026 sale was postponed from July 15 to Aug. 19, 2026) LienToDeed watches those publications and alerts members when new District of Columbia properties are listed.

District of Columbia Tax Sales: What Investors Need to Know This Season

Blog / State spotlights

District of Columbia tax sales: the season preview

Quick answerDistrict of Columbia sells tax lien certificates for unpaid property taxes. Lien buyers can earn 18% per year (1.5% per month or part thereof) on the amount in the certificate of sale, exclusive of surplus (D.C. Code §§ 47-1306, 47-1361). Redemption: Owner may redeem at any time until the foreclosure judgment is final; the purchaser may file to foreclose the right of redemption after 6 months from the sale and must do so within 1 year or the certificate is void (§§ 47-1360, 47-1370) — commonly described as a 6-month redemption period Sales: Annual real property tax sale, typically in July (the 2026 sale was postponed from July 15 to Aug. 19, 2026) Governing law: D.C. Code §§ 47-1330–47-1385 (real property tax sales), esp. §§ 47-1360, 47-1361, 47-1370; older provisions at §§ 47-1304, 47-1306.

What's actually for sale

District of Columbia sells tax lien certificates. Correction to a common description: DC is a tax lien jurisdiction, not a redeemable deed jurisdiction — the buyer receives a certificate of sale, not a deed, bidding is premium bid-up, and interest is earned only on the certificate amount exclusive of any surplus/premium paid. A deed issues only after Superior Court foreclosure of the right of redemption.

The rate that decides your return

18% per year (1.5% per month or part thereof) on the amount in the certificate of sale, exclusive of surplus (D.C. Code §§ 47-1306, 47-1361)

The clock you're investing against

Sale schedule: Annual real property tax sale, typically in July (the 2026 sale was postponed from July 15 to Aug. 19, 2026)

Redemption: Owner may redeem at any time until the foreclosure judgment is final; the purchaser may file to foreclose the right of redemption after 6 months from the sale and must do so within 1 year or the certificate is void (§§ 47-1360, 47-1370) — commonly described as a 6-month redemption period

Where the sales happen

mostly in-person — Office of Tax and Revenue sale at 1101 4th St. SW, Washington, DC, with registration through MyTax.DC.gov, MyTax.DC.gov (over-the-counter sale of bid-off liens after the annual sale). Lists post on the county's schedule, change as owners redeem, and registration typically closes before sale day — the investors who see the list first set the market.

Watch District of Columbia lists for me

LienToDeed scans the published lists and texts you when new District of Columbia properties post — scored, with a max bid or max rate.

Get District of Columbia alerts

Deep dives: District of Columbia laws · District of Columbia investing guide · District of Columbia sale calendar. Law verified 2026-10-30.