State Summary

• Tax Collection Method: Deeds
• Primary Bidding Type: Premium
• Redemption Period: None
• Redemption Interest Rate/Flat Penalty: Not applicable

The following information summarizes the life cycle, requirements, and administering of tax liens in the state of Oklahoma. Please read this information carefully. There are tax collection laws that pertain to all counties in Oklahoma, but be aware that there are subtle differences between the counties as well. When the word "typical" is used in the FAQs below, it indicates that most counties use this procedure/follow this convention, but not all counties.

Is Oklahoma a tax lien or a tax deed state?
Oklahoma is a tax deed state. Note that Oklahoma was a tax lien state until a law change in April of 2008. Oklahoma counties now hold all tax liens for three or more years and then these liens become subject to a public tax deed sale.

What is the name of the county official whom typically collects property taxes in Oklahoma?
County Treasurer.

When are property taxes due in the state of Oklahoma?
Property taxes are due January 1 following the year of assessment. Taxpayers can elect to pay property taxes in two equal installments, with the first payment due by January 1 and the second payment due by April 1.

When do property taxes become delinquent in the state of Oklahoma? 
Property tax payments are delinquent the day after the due dates. Simple interest accrues on the delinquent tax bill at a rate of 8% per annum (or 0.67% per month). If the January 1 payment is late, the full bill amount is considered delinquent and subject to interest accrual.

What is the name of the county official whom typically conducts tax deed sales in Oklahoma?
County Treasurer. Some counties will "outsource" their tax deed sale to a third-party auctioneer.

When does the typical Oklahoma county hold their annual tax deed sale?
Oklahoma counties hold a tax deed sale on the first Monday in June. Depending on the number of "Resale Properties" held by a county and the amount of interested investors, additional tax deed sales may be held at any time during the year.

What are the registration requirements for the typical Oklahoma tax deed sale?
Registration requirements vary by county.

What is the bidding type used at a typical Oklahoma tax deed sale?
The typical Oklahoma county uses a premium bidding public outcry auction.

What are the general terms of payment for the typical tax deed purchased at a Oklahoma tax deed sale?
Most Oklahoma counties require full payment the day of the sale in cash or certified funds

Are tax deeds offered "over the counter" in Oklahoma?
No, at least not in the true sense of the word. A list of county-held tax deeds may be acquired by an interested investor and this investor may submit a reasonable bid for the property. However, first, the bid amount must be approved by the County Treasurer, and then, the property is advertised and an auction is set up. The highest bidder at the auction receives the tax deed to the property. If there are no other bidders, the submitter of the original bid gets the tax deed to the property at the original bid amount.

What is the name of the office that determines the values of properties on a annual basis?
County Assessor.

Oklahoma County Reference