California
California sells the deed itself, not a certificate — after five years of delinquency the county auctions the property outright, and winning bidders pay cash, not a bid-down interest rate. Once the deed records there's no redemption window for the prior owner to buy it back. The one caveat is a one-year window where an aggrieved party can petition the court to void the sale on procedural grounds — a legal-validity check, not an ownership buy-back right.
Quick answers
Is California a tax lien or tax deed state?+
California is a tax deed state.
What's the interest rate or penalty in California?+
In California, the rate is: None — deed sold at auction, no interest.
How long is the redemption period in California?+
The redemption period in California is None.
Not sure how California's system compares to a state you already know? Read Tax Lien vs. Tax Deed: What's the Difference? for the full breakdown.
Planning to resell or finance a California tax deed? Read You Won a Tax Deed. Why Can't You Sell It Yet? before you assume the deed alone is enough.
This page is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rates and redemption periods are set by state statute and can change by county or legislative session — always confirm against the county's own auction notice before bidding.