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Kootenai County, ID

13 min read

Kootenai County, Idaho — Tax Sale & Surplus Procedure

Local operations layer. The legal framework (redemption periods, surplus rights, statutes, case law) lives on the parent page → idaho. This page covers how Kootenai County actually runs it. Legal information, not legal advice. Last verified: 2026-06-02.

C0. Identity

  • County seat: Coeur d’Alene · Population: ~171,362 (2020 census) · Recording unit: county
  • FIPS: 16055
  • Parent legal framework: idaho

C1. Local Tax Sale

  • Conducts own sale? Yes — the Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) conducts an annual tax-deed auction.
  • Platform: Online via RealAuction / RealForeclose — https://kootenai.id.realforeclose.com · Platform support: customerservice@realauction.com or 877-361-7325. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Calendar: Once per year (annual). Most recent known sale: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM PT. The county page states: “The tax deed auction takes place once a year. However, a secondary auction may be held whenever the Board of County Commissioners deems necessary to dispose of any unresolved properties from the prior tax sale or properties deemed surplus.” Typical month is September, but the county does not publish a multi-year forward calendar. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Advertisement: Sales advertised in the Coeur d’Alene Press newspaper no later than two weeks prior to any auction. The auction list is also available at the County Treasurer’s Office, at the BOCC front office, and online on the county website as a PDF. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Rate within statutory range: 1%/month interest on delinquency (Idaho Code § 63-1001) + 2% late charge (§ 63-201); county applies the statutory rate without deviation. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/514/Property-Tax-Bill-Information, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Registration / deposit: Registration for the RealAuction platform is required before bidding; RealAuction provides free bidder training sessions prior to each auction. Specific deposit amount required at registration is not stated on the county’s official page and must be confirmed directly with the Treasurer (208-446-1005) or via the RealForeclose platform at https://kootenai.id.realforeclose.com. (needs_verification: deposit/registration deposit amount)
  • Bidder requirements: Must register on the RealForeclose platform. RealAuction offers pre-auction training (e.g., August 27 and September 3, 2025 sessions for the 2025 sale). [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Unsold properties: Properties not sold at auction are offered via sealed written bids submitted to the Kootenai County BOCC; the BOCC may sell without further public notice. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale and https://www.kcgov.us/961/Offer-to-Purchase-County-Property, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Sealed-bid submission address: Kootenai County Commissioners Office, 451 Government Way, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816-9000. Each property requires a separate bid envelope with cashier’s check for full bid amount payable to Kootenai County Treasurer. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/961/Offer-to-Purchase-County-Property, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Delinquent list location: 2025 Tax Deed Auction List PDF available on the county Property Tax Sale page; also posted at Treasurer’s Office and BOCC office. URL: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale (PDF linked from that page). [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]

C2. Local Redemption → framework: right-of-redemption

  • Where/how to redeem locally: Kootenai County Treasurer’s Office, 451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. Under Idaho Code § 63-1007, the owner or party in interest may redeem at any time prior to the start of the sale for that parcel at the online auction. After the parcel is called and bidding begins, redemption is cut off. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale (“The parcels being offered at the sale can be redeemed at any time prior to the start of the sale for that parcel.”), retrieved 2026-06-02; framework: legislature.idaho.gov § 63-1007]
  • Local fees: Redemption amount = all delinquent property taxes + 2% late charge + 1%/month accrued interest (from January 1 following delinquency) + costs; per Idaho Code §§ 63-1007, 63-1001, 63-201. No additional local fees documented beyond the statewide formula.
  • Redemption contact: Kootenai County Treasurer’s Office · 451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 · Phone: 208-446-1005 · https://www.kcgov.us/509/Treasurer
  • Deviations from state default: None identified — Kootenai County tracks the statewide Idaho framework. The county page expressly states: “Only the people with redemption rights can redeem.” Post-sale: “After that, there is no right of redemption.” [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]

C3. Local Surplus / Excess Proceeds → framework: surplus-funds

▸ For Investors / Operators — Kootenai County holds an annual online tax-deed auction via RealAuction/RealForeclose (kootenai.id.realforeclose.com), typically in September; pre-auction training sessions are offered by RealAuction. The BOCC issues a County Deed — not a warranty deed — vesting absolute title free of most encumbrances except mortgages where proper § 63-1005 notice was not given and subsequent tax liens; the county strongly advises consulting a local title company before purchase. All properties are sold AS IS with no guarantee of access or permits. Redemption is cut off parcel-by-parcel at the moment online bidding opens for that parcel. Unsold properties are offered via sealed written bids to the BOCC; the BOCC may accept or reject any bid.

▸ For Former Owners — Surplus proceeds from the auction are held by the Kootenai County Treasurer (451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; 208-446-1005) until the county-published deadline (approximately 84 days post-sale; the 2025 deadline was December 1, 2025). The statutory framework (Idaho Code § 31-808) requires the BOCC to notify parties in interest within 30 days and gives them 60 days to respond. After the deadline, unclaimed surplus is transferred to Idaho State Unclaimed Property (yourmoney.idaho.gov), where the claim right does not expire. The Treasurer publishes a Surplus Funds List (PDF) at kcgov.us/DocumentCenter/View/4669 showing unclaimed balances by parcel.

  • Claim filing venue: Kootenai County Treasurer’s Office · 451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 · Phone: 208-446-1005 · https://www.kcgov.us/509/Treasurer. The page states: “To submit a surplus claim for funds not submitted to the State please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 208-446-1005.” [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Claim form: A Surplus Funds List PDF is published on the county’s Property Tax Sale page (direct PDF link: https://www.kcgov.us/DocumentCenter/View/4669). No separate county claim form URL is identified on the official page; claimants must contact the Treasurer’s Office directly. (needs_verification: whether a formal county claim form is required vs. direct contact with Treasurer)
  • Local deadline notes: For the 2025 auction: “The last date to claim the 2025 tax deed sale surplus funds is December 1, 2025.” This implies approximately 84 days from the September 9, 2025 sale. The statutory framework (§ 31-808) requires the BOCC to notify parties in interest within 30 days of sale; parties then have 60 days to respond. The county-published December 1 deadline is consistent with the § 31-808 framework. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02; framework: legislature.idaho.gov § 31-808]
  • Unclaimed funds disposition: “Any unclaimed funds will be submitted to the State of Idaho Unclaimed Property” (yourmoney.idaho.gov). The county page states the BOCC approves transfer of outstanding surplus funds from tax deed auctions to the Idaho State Treasurer “in accordance with Idaho Code 31-808,” and the State Treasurer distributes proceeds under Idaho Code Title 14, Ch. 5 (Revised Unclaimed Property Act). [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Unclaimed list published? Yes — a Surplus Funds List (PDF) is published at https://www.kcgov.us/DocumentCenter/View/4669. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • State unclaimed property contact: Idaho State Treasurer · sto.idaho.gov · Unclaimed property search: yourmoney.idaho.gov
  • Contact for county-held surplus: Kootenai County Treasurer · 208-446-1005

C4. Offices & Contacts

OfficeNameAddressPhoneURL
Treasurer / Tax CollectorSteve Matheson (Treasurer)451 Government Way (PO Box 9000), Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814208-446-1005 (fax: 208-446-1017)https://www.kcgov.us/509/Treasurer
Clerk of Court / RecorderJennifer Locke (County Clerk)451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814208-446-1650https://www.kcgov.us/218/Clerk
Recorder (recording desk)Melinda Roeder (Recording Manager)451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814208-446-1480https://www.kcgov.us/343/Recorder
Board of County CommissionersMarc Eberlein (D1), Bruce Mattare (D2), Leslie Duncan (D3)451 Government Way, 3rd Floor, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814208-446-1600https://www.kcgov.us/487/Board-of-County-Commissioners
Sheriff(name not retrieved)2451 W. Dakota Ave., Hayden, ID 83835208-446-1300https://www.kcsheriff.com
AssessorBela Kovacs (Assessor)451 Government Way (PO Box 9000), Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814208-446-1500 (fax: 208-446-1501)https://www.kcgov.us/176/Assessor

C5. Local Procedure Notes

  • Deed type issued: The county issues a County Deed (not a warranty deed). Per the county’s official page citing Idaho Code §§ 63-1009 and 63-1005: “Any sale made by the Board of County Commissioners of property acquired through tax deed shall vest in the purchaser absolute title to the land described therein, free from all encumbrances except mortgages of record to the holders of which notice has not been sent, any lien for property taxes which may have attached subsequent to the assessment, and any lien for special assessments.” [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale citing Idaho Code §§ 63-1009, 63-1005, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • AS IS sale: Parcels are sold “AS IS.” “There is no guarantee as to access, building or septic permits.” [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • BOCC right to reject: “The BOCC reserves the right to reject any and all written bids or accept any written bid which may be made.” [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Secondary/post-auction sales: BOCC may offer unsold properties via sealed written bids without further public notice; the BOCC may also sell properties it deems surplus by similar procedure. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale; https://www.kcgov.us/961/Offer-to-Purchase-County-Property, retrieved 2026-06-02]
  • Title company recommendation: The county page expressly advises: “If you find a parcel you are interested in, we strongly suggest contacting a local Title Company to answer your questions regarding title or legal description.” [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/528/Property-Tax-Sale, retrieved 2026-06-02] This reflects the practical reality that county tax deeds generally require quiet-title action for full marketability — see idaho Module 7.
  • Personal property delinquency: Handled separately — Treasurer issues a Warrant of Distraint to the Sheriff, who seizes and auctions personal property after ~4 weeks’ notice. [Source: https://www.kcgov.us/512/Personal-Property-Delinquency, retrieved 2026-06-02]

C6. Records Access

C7. Meta

sources:

needs_verification:

  • “Registration deposit amount for the RealForeclose/RealAuction platform (kootenai.id.realforeclose.com) — the county’s official page does not state a deposit amount; must be confirmed via the platform or Treasurer’s Office (208-446-1005).”
  • “Whether a specific county claim form is required to file for surplus proceeds, or whether contacting the Treasurer by phone is sufficient — the official page only says ‘contact the Treasurer’s Office at 208-446-1005’ without referencing a form.”
  • “Sheriff’s name — not retrieved from kcsheriff.com; page did not show elected official name.”
  • “Whether the annual auction is consistently held in September or if that month varies year to year — only one year’s date (Sept. 9, 2025) confirmed from the official page.”
  • “Exact form or procedure for submitting a surplus claim — whether the county sends a written notice to the former owner within 30 days (per § 31-808) and what documentation is required for a successful claim.”
  • “Whether the RealForeclose/RealAuction platform requires bidders to pre-fund a deposit account (common in online tax deed platforms) — not stated on the official county page.”
  • “Current year (2026) auction date — the county page reflected the 2025 auction; 2026 auction date needs_verification as it has not yet been published (as of 2026-06-02).”

cross_links: idaho, right-of-redemption, surplus-funds, treasurer-sale, due-process-notice, tyler-v-hennepin-county, jones-v-flowers, mullane-v-central-hanover, void-vs-voidable

changelog:

  • “2026-06-02 — Initial population (autoresearch). All core fields populated from official Kootenai County pages (kcgov.us/528, /509, /343, /176, /218, /487, kcsheriff.com). Platform confirmed as RealAuction/RealForeclose online; surplus deadline confirmed from county page; § 63-1009 deed language verified from county citation. Deposit amount and claim form flagged needs_verification.”

▸ For Investors / Operators — Kootenai County holds an annual online tax-deed auction via RealAuction/RealForeclose (kootenai.id.realforeclose.com), typically in September; pre-auction training sessions are offered by RealAuction. The BOCC issues a County Deed — not a warranty deed — vesting absolute title free of most encumbrances except mortgages where proper § 63-1005 notice was not given and subsequent tax liens; the county strongly advises consulting a local title company before purchase. All properties are sold AS IS with no guarantee of access or permits. Redemption is cut off parcel-by-parcel at the moment online bidding opens for that parcel. Unsold properties are offered via sealed written bids to the BOCC; the BOCC may accept or reject any bid.

▸ For Former Owners — Surplus proceeds from the auction are held by the Kootenai County Treasurer (451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; 208-446-1005) until the county-published deadline (approximately 84 days post-sale; the 2025 deadline was December 1, 2025). The statutory framework (Idaho Code § 31-808) requires the BOCC to notify parties in interest within 30 days and gives them 60 days to respond. After the deadline, unclaimed surplus is transferred to Idaho State Unclaimed Property (yourmoney.idaho.gov), where the claim right does not expire. The Treasurer publishes a Surplus Funds List (PDF) at kcgov.us/DocumentCenter/View/4669 showing unclaimed balances by parcel.

Legal information, not legal advice. This page summarizes Kootenai County operational procedures and Idaho statutes as of the last_verified date (2026-06-02) and may be incomplete or out of date. The legal framework (redemption periods, surplus rights, statutes, case law) lives on the idaho page. Verify against cited primary sources and consult a licensed Idaho attorney before acting.

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