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Foreclosure process and resources
Learn more about the foreclosure process for King County properties, and what resources are available to help
The foreclosure process on real property is initiated when any one tax, assessment, fee or lien becomes a full three years delinquent.
A Certificate of Delinquency, which included parcels that were delinquent from 2021 and prior, was filed in King County Superior Court on November 15, 2024. To remove your parcel from the foreclosure action, you must pay all taxes, fees, interest, penalties and foreclosure costs. Payment must be made in certified funds. Payments by personal check will be returned with no exceptions. Online payments are not available for properties in tax foreclosure.
Payments are accepted only from parcel owners or parties with a recorded interest in the parcel. If you are planning to pay on behalf of a taxpayer whose parcel is subject to foreclosure, you must provide notarized documentation granting you authority to do so, per state law.
Download the King County Authorization to Pay Property Tax as Agent form
Foreclosure process
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Property becomes subject to foreclosure
The tax foreclosure process on real property begins when any one tax, assessment, fee, or lien becomes a full three years delinquent. To remove your parcel from the foreclosure action, you must pay all taxes, fees, interest, penalties, and foreclosure costs.
Property taxes are considered "delinquent" when they remain unpaid for three years. Your annual property tax statement will indicate if your property is delinquent and subject to foreclosure.
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Certificate of Delinquency filed, title reports ordered
The King County Treasurer files a Certificate of Delinquency in Superior Court. After filing the Certificate of Delinquency, title reports are ordered.
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Parties served with notice and summons by certified mail
All parties with recorded legal interest in a delinquent parcel are served with notice and summons by certified mail.
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Judgment, sale authorization, and publishing
Superior Court sends judgment to the Treasurer for foreclosure on tax liens. The court also authorizes the sale of parcels. The local newspaper publishes the pleadings, listing all parcel information.
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Foreclosure auction takes place every year in September
By state law, any property in the foreclosure process may be redeemed by their owner(s), or other parties with recorded legal interest. These parties have until the close of business on the day before the sale date, which happens in September. Payment must be for the entire amount due, including costs and fees accrued during the foreclosure process, to remove it from the foreclosure sale.
Resources
There are many resources available to property owners who are in or nearing tax foreclosure.
Bankruptcy or receivership
King County does not intend to proceed with tax foreclosure if a bankruptcy or receivership automatic stay prohibits such action. Contact us at 206-263-2649 and provide us with your bankruptcy filing number or the receivership cause number if you have filed action to stay the foreclosure process.
Assistance from your mortgage company
Notify your mortgage company of the impending tax foreclosure. They may be willing to pay your outstanding taxes to protect their interest.
Washington Homeownership Resource Center
If the parcel subject to tax foreclosure is your primary residence, call the Washington State foreclosure hotline. The Washington Homeownership Resource Center may be able to connect you with legal counsel and/or rescue loan assistance. Contact them by phone at 206-542-1243 or toll-free at 1-877-894-4663 (HOME).
One time waiver
Effective January 1, 2020, owners of property which have been identified as "subject to foreclosure" or "in foreclosure" status may qualify for a one-time waiver of all delinquent interest and penalties. Requirements and certain conditions must be met. For additional information, contact King County Treasury at 206-263-2649.
Servicemember's Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The SCRA prevents certain property of a servicemember from being sold or foreclosed. If you are a servicemember, or dependent of a servicemember, contact our office at 206-263-2649 if you believe you may qualify for this relief.
Exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities
If you meet certain age requirements, or have a disability, you may qualify for property tax exemption or deferral programs. The property in question must be your primary residence. If you believe you are eligible, visit the King County Department of Assessments webpage for information, or contact them at exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-3920 for assistance.