Live data — updated July 14, 2026
California Over-the-Counter Tax Deeds (2026): 1,920 County-Held Listings
Quick answer: California currently holds 1,920 unsold tax-deed properties that can be bought over the counter — fixed price, no auction. Updated daily from live DeedFlex data.
These are properties that went through a California tax sale and got no bid, so the county kept them. They sell at the statutory minimum — back taxes plus costs — to the first qualified applicant. The same due diligence as auction buying applies: title, condition, and surviving-lien research before you commit.
State context: California is a tax deed state. See the full California investor guide and the live California auction calendar.
Where the inventory is
| County | County-held listings |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 1,113 |
| San Bernardino | 567 |
| Imperial | 240 |
Counts update daily.
Frequently asked questions
What does over-the-counter (OTC) mean in tax sales?
When a property gets no bid at the county tax sale, the county keeps it ("struck off") and sells it afterward at a fixed price — usually the back taxes plus costs. No auction, no bidding war: first qualified buyer to apply gets it.
Why would a property go unsold at auction?
Mostly obscurity, not defects: small rural counties get few bidders, some lists never circulate, and low-value parcels aren't worth a professional's trip. Plenty are genuinely rough — the same title and condition research applies as at auction.
Are OTC properties cheaper than auction properties?
Usually — there's no competitive bidding, so the price stays at the statutory minimum (taxes + penalties + costs) instead of getting bid up. The tradeoff is the inventory skews toward what bidders passed on, so research matters even more.
How do I buy an OTC property in California?
Each county publishes its held list and application process — typically a form plus payment of taxes and fees. DeedFlex members see the scored California OTC list with valuations and risk flags to pick targets before applying.