Treasurer & Tax Collector
City and County of San Francisco
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Public Auction

The primary purpose of a tax sale is to collect taxes that have not been paid by the property owner for at least five years. Offering the property at public auction allows the collection of past due taxes. Information relating to the auction will be published in the local newspaper and will also be available on this page.

All property is sold as is. Be an informed bidder. Prospective purchasers are urged to examine the title, location and desirability of the properties available to their own satisfaction prior to the sale. The County makes no guarantee, express or implied, relative to the title, location or condition of the properties for sale. In addition, the County assumes no responsibility, implied or otherwise, that the properties are in compliance with zoning ordinances, mining and reclamation regulations, conform to building codes and permits and/or any other applicable regulations or permits. No government entity is liable for damages sustained to property purchased at public auction, including from the time of sale until the recordation of the tax deed to the purchaser. No expressed or implied warranty is given with respect to parcels, and they are sold on an “as is” basis. Bidders are responsible for knowing what they are purchasing. The City Planning department can provide zoning, General Plan designation, water source and other information. Examine the County Recorder’s records for any easements on a property. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. 

State law dictates that the minimum sale price for a tax-defaulted parcel offered at a public auction shall be no less than the total amount necessary to redeem the parcel plus costs, unless the parcel has previously been offered for sale and received no bids. 

Vacant or unimproved land may have no address. Its approximate location may be determined through the use of county assessor maps. Exact boundary lines of a property can be determined only by conducting a survey of the property, initiated at the purchaser's expense.  

The owner’s right to redeem the property revives if not sold.  Parcels receiving no bids, at the Tax Collector’s discretion, may be re-offered in the future at a minimum price appropriate to stimulate competitive bidding. 

If a property is purchased at auction and there is more than $150 remaining (after tax, liens, and costs of the sale have been paid) the remaining funds are deemed as 'Excess Proceeds'.  Parties of Interest such as lienholders and the former owner may file a claim for excess proceeds no later than one year from the date the tax deed is recorded.   A notice of excess proceeds will be sent to all Parties of Interest.

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