Real Property Tax Lien Sale Information

 1. How often are tax lien sales held? Once a year.
 2. How many real estate parcels are taxed in El Paso County in 2009? 219,983 
 3.  How many tax liens did you advertise for sale in 2009? 5,593
 4. How many tax liens were sold in 2009? 3,684
 5. What was the total dollar amount of tax liens sold in 2009? 7,068,371.80
 6. How many buyers participated in the 2009 tax sale? 280
 7. How many tax liens were not purchased? 482 (463 real estate parcels & 19 mineral rights)
 8. What happens to unsold tax liens? Unsold tax liens are struck to the County and are available for assignment.

9.

Is a list of unsold tax liens available? Yes.  The list is available on our website: www./trs.elpasoco.com or a hardcopy may be requested from our office for a $5.00 fee made payable to the El Paso County Treasurer.
10.  What was the interest rate for liens sold in 2009?

10%

11. When will your next tax sale be held? To be announced.
12. When and where are the tax liens to be sold advertised? The list of unpaid real estate taxes is published in the El Paso County Advertiser and News.  Publication dates for the 2010 tax sale will be announced at a later date.
13. When I purchase a tax lien what type of documentation do I receive? 

 A tax lien sale certificate of purchase.

14. Do I have to be present at the sale to buy tax liens? Only for the Open Bidding.  Buyers cannot be present for the Automatic Rotation Selling. 
15. May I send a representative to purchase tax liens for me in the Open Bidding portion of your sale? Yes.
16. What do I have to do to be able to buy tax liens at your tax sale?

Buyers who have participated in prior sales need only make their deposit and complete the Automatic Rotation Selling Authorization & Allocation form.  New Buyers must complete and submit a W-9; a Buyer Registration form; and an Automatic Rotation Selling Authorization and Allocation form along with their deposit.  Forms are available on our website. Automatic Rotation Selling Authorization and Allocation of Tax Sale Deposit Form.   W-9; Buyer Registration Form

17. When does your office accept tax sale deposits and new buyer registrations? Beginning two weeks prior to the sale date.
18. May I write a personal or business check for my tax sale deposit? No. Deposits must be in the form of certified funds, i.e. cashier's check, cash, money order, or wire transfer.
19. How much do I have to put on deposit? The amount you are willing to invest in tax liens.
20. How are the tax liens offered at your sale? Tax liens are sold in four (4) categories. 
21. May I endorse subsequent year taxes onto my existing tax liens? Yes.  A report will be mailed to you with the endorsement (sub-tax) amounts the first week of July.
22. What is the redemption period of a tax lien? Three (3) years from the date of the sale.
23. If the tax lien isn't redeemed within the three (3) year period what do I do? You may apply for a tax deed to the property.  Application may be made four (4) months prior to the third anniversary of the sale date.
24. Is there a fee to apply for a tax deed? Yes.  The current fee is $350.00 
25. Do tax liens expire? Yes.  Unredeemed tax liens will expire on the 15th anniversary of the sale date. 
26. What do I receive from a tax deed? The issuance of a valid tax deed creates new title to the property.  The recipient should establish their interest in the property through a suit to quiet title.
27. Can a tax deed be challenged? Yes.  Action may be brought within five (5) years of the date of issuance, or within nine (9) years if a person is under legal disability, to set aside a tax deed.
28. What governs tax sales in your County? 

Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 39, Articles 10, 11 & 12.

Treasurer:
Sandra J. Damron

Location:
27 E. Vermijo Ave.
Colorado Springs,
CO 80903

Telephone:
(719) 520-6666

Hours:
8:00-5:00 M-Th
(except holidays)

E-mail:
trsweb@elpasoco.com