Tax Deed Sale Frequently Asked Questions

For questions regarding the Public Surplus website and how auctions work, please use the “Chat” feature on the upper-left corner of the Public Surplus website or contact Public Surplus by email at buyersupport@thepublicgroup.com. 

1.      How often does Mohave County offer a Tax Deed Sale?

The Tax Deed Sale has historically been held in the first week of March, which is the only time during the year for the sale.

2.      When and where is the next Tax Deed Sale?

The 2026 Tax Deed Sale will be hosted by Public Surplus online at www.publicsurplus.com from March 2 - 6, 2026. Auctions will be available for viewing on February 20, 2026.

3.      Why are these parcels being offered for sale?

The parcels being offered for sale have delinquent county-held tax liens going back at least five (5) years and were tax deeded to the State of Arizona per ARS 42-18261.

4.      What is the difference between a Tax Lien Sale and a Tax Deed Sale?

After property taxes have been delinquent for a period of two (2) years, the taxes become available for purchase by investors at the Tax Lien Sale, where the taxes are purchased in exchange for a tax lien. The tax lien DOES NOT convey ownership outright but may allow for the possibility to foreclose through the Mohave County Superior Court after certain conditions are met.

The Tax Deed Sale sells real property in the county held by the state by tax deed to the highest bidder for cash. After receipt of payment, the highest bidder receives a deed conveying the title of the state in and to the parcel purchased.

5.      What parcels are available at the Tax Deed Sale? What is the minimum bid?

The list of available parcels with their minimum bids are located on the Tax Deed Auction webpage of the Mohave County Clerk of the Board found here. 

6.      Will the parcel have a tax balance owed after being purchased at the sale?

All parcels purchased will be free of all county-held tax liens (existing easements remain). Back taxes due will be eliminated when the new deed is recorded. All future taxes are the responsibility of the new property owner. Bidders are encouraged to conduct considerable due diligence review as there may be encumbrances other than the county-held liens.

7.      What resources does Mohave County provide to assist my property research?

The Mohave County Development Services Department may be contacted at (928) 7570903 to determine basic zoning requirements applicable to parcels. Parcels failing to meet applicable zoning regulations may be ineligible for building permits.

The Mohave County Assessor’s Office may be contacted at (928) 753-0703 for questions regarding valuation.

8.      How do I register for the sale?

No registration is required, but to place bids on auctions, a free Public Surplus account will need to be created at www.publicsurplus.com.

9.      How and when do I make payment for the sale? Will I receive a receipt?

Payment must be received within five (5) business days after the auction ends.

Payment may only be made online by credit card or wire transfer. No cash, checks, or money orders will be accepted. After completing the transaction and payment has cleared, a receipt will be emailed.

If paying with a credit card, select the description of the auction and then select the "Pay Online" link located on the right-hand side of the screen. The credit card limit per transac on is $4,000. For transac ons over $4,000, a wire transfer is required. A wire transfer can take up to two (2) business days to be received and posted.

10.  Are there any other costs in addition to the final sale price?

An additional $40 processing fee will be charged per auction. This fee covers the costs for preparing, recording, and mailing each deed.

11.  When will I receive my deed?

Within 90 days after the sale, the Mohave County Board of Supervisors will execute, record, and deliver to the purchaser a quit claim deed.

12.  What name will be on my deed and how do I record my deed under a different name?

The default op on is for a deed to be recorded in the name and mailing address of the winning bidder as registered with their Public Surplus account. This can be changed by submitting the Bidder/Deed Informa on Form that will be emailed to winning bidders.

To take title in the name of a business such as a LLC, a completed Bidder/Deed Informa on Form must be submitted.

13.  What happens if the winning bidder fails to make payment?

If full payment is not timely received, the Mohave County Board of Supervisors may cancel the sale and accept the next highest bid. Payment for an awarded next highest bid must be received within 10 business days after the auction ends.

14.  What happens to parcels that don’t sell at the Tax Deed Sale?

After the conclusion of the Tax Deed Sale, any parcel that does not sell is added to the Over-the-Counter Tax Deed List and may receive bid offers for purchase beginning on April 15.

Information on the Over-the-Counter sale of tax deeded parcels is available on the website of the Mohave County Clerk of the Board found at www.mohave.gov or by scanning the QR code below:

Mohave County makes no warranties, guarantees, suggestions, or implications on the marketability and use of the parcels for any purpose. The winning bidder purchases the property as-is and where-is without any warranty or assurances from the County.

There may be unknown environmental effects on the property or unknown legal li ga on or compliance issues. A good faith effort has been made by the County to identify and disclose these issues. Bidders are encouraged to conduct considerable due diligence review. All sales are final.