Tax lien investing means buying tax lien certificates from a local government. The investor pays the unpaid property taxes and earns interest as the property owner repays the debt. If the owner doesn't repay, the investor might foreclose on the property.
A tax lien is a claim against a property for unpaid taxes. A tax deed gives the investor ownership of the property if the taxes aren't paid. In a tax deed sale, the property itself is sold to cover the unpaid taxes.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) liens and deeds are those not sold during the initial tax sale and can be bought directly from the county. This allows investors to buy liens or deeds without bidding in an auction.
Yes, you can invest in tax liens and deeds through a self-directed IRA. This allows you to earn interest on tax liens or profit from tax deeds within your retirement account.
It's a good idea to buy insurance once you take title to the property, even during the redemption period if possible. This protects your investment in case of damage before you sell it.
State laws govern the overall process, but counties can implement these rules differently. This leads to variations in auction procedures and requirements.
A common strategy is to bid between 20% to 60% of the property's assessed value, depending on its condition and location. The key is to ensure you can still make a profit even if the property's interior is in poor condition.
The county will notify you when a homeowner pays their taxes. You must return the certificate to the county, which will then send you your money, including interest.
Hybrid tax sales are auctions where both tax liens and tax deeds are offered. This provides investors with options to either earn interest on unpaid taxes or acquire properties directly.
You can buy tax liens and deeds through live auctions, online auctions, over-the-counter purchases, or the secondary market. Each method has its own procedures and requirements.
Target properties like single-family homes, condos, mobile homes, commercial properties, and residential lots. Avoid properties with no value, irregular lots, properties with easements, and those with environmental issues.
? Before bidding, research the property's condition and market value, set a maximum bid based on potential profitability, and understand the auction rules specific to the county.
A tax sale is a public auction where properties with delinquent taxes are sold to the highest bidder. This can involve selling tax lien certificates or the property itself through a tax deed sale.
There are two main types of tax sales: tax lien sales and tax deed sales. In a tax lien sale, the winning bidder purchases a lien on the property, which earns interest as the property owner repays the debt. In a tax deed sale, the winning bidder purchases the property itself.
Upcoming tax sales are typically announced by the county tax office. This information can often be found on the county’s website, in local newspapers, or by contacting the county tax collector’s office directly
A tax lien is a claim against a property for unpaid taxes, giving the lienholder the right to collect the debt with interest. A tax deed transfers ownership of the property to the purchaser if the taxes are not paid.
OTC tax liens or deeds are those that were not sold during the initial tax sale and are available for purchase directly from the county. This allows investors to buy liens or deeds without bidding in an auction
Redeemable deeds are a type of tax deed where the property owner has a redemption period to repay the taxes plus interest. If the owner fails to redeem the property within this period, the investor gains full ownership.
Yes, you can invest in tax liens and deeds through a self-directed IRA. This allows you to earn interest on tax liens or profit from tax deeds within your retirement account.
Before bidding, research the property's condition and market value, set a maximum bid based on potential profitability, and understand the auction rules specific to the county. It's also essential to know the priority of the lien and any other outstanding liens or mortgages on the property.
If the property owner redeems the tax lien, they pay the outstanding taxes plus interest to the county, which then pays the investor. The lienholder receives their initial investment plus the interest earned.
Usually not. Most tax deed sales do not allow potential buyers to inspect the inside of the property. Buyers should base their bids on external inspections and available property records.
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Type: | Redeemable Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Monthly on the First Tuesday of the Month |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 25% Penalty Per 6 Months for Non Homestead or Special Land Use Properties. If 2 Yr Redemption Period Applies 25% for 1st Year and 50% Penalty for 2nd Year |
Redemption Period: | 6 Months for Most Properties. 2 Years for Homestead and Special Land Use Properties |
Online Auction: | The Vast Majority No, but in 2019, Two Counties (Victoria & Orange) |
Over the Counter: | Sealed Bid for “Struck Off” Properties |
Statute: | Texas Tax Code 1-E-24A |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually Typically During Summer Months |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | 30 Day Redemption Period & 90 Day Litigation Period |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Arkansas Code Sec 26-37-101 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | First Come, First Serve Basis via Sealed Bid |
Frequency: | Varies by Burrough Preferences |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Alaska Statutes 29.45 Sec 320 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | No but They Can Challenge Validity of Sale for 1 Year |
Online Auction: | Yes – Most Counties |
Over the Counter: | No – ‘ReOffer Sales’ Though |
Statute: | Ca. Rev & Taxation Code Div 1 Part 6 |
Type: | Hybrid – Liens & Redeemable Deeds |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year With 18% Penalty |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Connecticut Gen Stat Title 12 Ch 204 |
Type: | “Monition Sales” (Redeemable Deed) |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Quarterly or Monthly Based on the County |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year With 20% Interest or 60 Days With 15% Penalty, Determined by County |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Delaware Statue Title 9 Ch 87 |
Type: | Hybrid – Both |
Bidding Process: | Liens – Bid Down the Interest Rate. Deed – Premium |
Frequency: | Throughout the Year Per County Discretion |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 18% |
Redemption Period: | 2 Years |
Online Auction: | Yes |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Florida Statutes Chapter 197 |
Type: | Redeemable Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Monthly on First Tuesday on the Month in Most Counties |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year With 20% Penalty + 10% for Each Subsequent Year Until Foreclosure Is Filed |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Georgia Code Title 48 Ch 4 Article 1 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually in May or Varied Based on Number of Properties |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Only a Few Counties |
Statute: | Idaho Code Sec 63-100 to 63-101 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Varies by County & as Needed Depending on Number of Properties |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Kansas Statute Article 21 Ch 79-2101 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Oral or Sealed Bid – Premium |
Frequency: | Varies |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Maine Revised Statute Title 36 Part 2 |
Type: | Tax Liens and Deeds |
Bidding Process: | Varies by Municipality |
Frequency: | Varies |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | 6 Months |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Mass Gen Laws Part 1 Title 9 Ch 60 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually, Between July and Nov |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | Yes |
Over the Counter: | Yes, “Surplus” |
Statute: | Michigan General Property Tax Public Act 206 of 1983 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Varies on as Needed Basis |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | 2016 Minnesota Statutes Chapter 282 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | Only Pershing County |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Nevada Revised Statute 361.585 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually Throughout the Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | New Mexico Statutes Chapter 7 Article 38 |
Type: | Hybrid – Both |
Bidding Process: | Premium on Deeds |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 20% on Liens With Bid Down |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | Yes |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | New York Real Property Tax Law Art 11 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Multiple Step Process. 1) Tax Foreclosure Sale With Premium Bidding but 10-day “Upset Bid” Period. Then Subsequent Sale, Then Surplus |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes – “Surplus” |
Statute: | North Carolina General Statutes 105-374 |
Type: | Hybrid – Both |
Bidding Process: | Premium on Deeds |
Frequency: | Annually Throughout the Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 18% With Bid Down |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year on Liens but Not Targeted for Individual Buyers |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Ohio Revised Code Section 5721.30 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually in June |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes but County by County |
Statute: | Oklahoma Statutes Title 68, Sec 3000 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually in Spring or Summer |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Oregon Statutes Chapter 312 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | “Upset Sale” First With Premium Bidding Which Does Not Extinguish Other Liens, Followed by “Judicial Sale” Where All Liens With the Exception of Irs Liens Are Extinguished |
Frequency: | Annually Throughout the Year. Upset Sales Typically Held in the Fall. Judicial Sale Typically in the Spring but Could Be Anytime After the Upset Sale. |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | Very Few |
Over the Counter: | Yes Through “Repository” List With County Acceptance |
Statute: | Pennsylvania Statutes Title 72-5860 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually In Apr-May-Jun |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% |
Redemption Period: | 3 Years |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Code of Alabama 1975, Sec 40, Ch 10 |
Type: | Redeemable Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Vary Throughout the Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% |
Redemption Period: | Up to 1 Year |
Online Auction: | Very Few |
Over the Counter: | Some Counties Yes, Others Do “Surplus Property Sales” After Redemption Period |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually in May |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Code of Virginia 58.1-3965 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually Later in the Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | Many |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Washington State RCW 84.64 |
Type: | Hybrid – Both |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Lien Sales Annually Oct – Nov. Deed Sales Are Held on a Needed Basis and Only on Properties That Were Not Sold at Lien Sale and Were Held by the County for 18 Months |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% on Liens |
Redemption Period: | 18 Months on Liens |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | West Virginia Code 11a Article 3 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Varies as Needed |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Wisconsin State Statutes Sec 75.69 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually In Apr-May-Jun |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% |
Redemption Period: | 3 Years |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Code of Alabama 1975, Sec 40, Ch 10 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Bid Down the Interest Rate |
Frequency: | Annually in February |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 16% |
Redemption Period: | 3 Years |
Online Auction: | Yes – Not All Counties. Various Sites. Largest County Is Maricopa County |
Over the Counter: | Yes – Liens Only |
Statute: | Arizona Statute Title 42, Ch 18, Art 3 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually in Fall |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 9 Points Above Federal Discount Rate (Prime) |
Redemption Period: | 3 Years |
Online Auction: | Yes |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Colorado Revised Statutes 39-1-102 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Premium “Overbid” |
Frequency: | Annually, Apr or Aug |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 18% |
Redemption Period: | 2 Years |
Online Auction: | Some |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Mississippi Code Sec 27-41-49 to 27-41-89 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Bid Down the Interest Rate |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 36% |
Redemption Period: | 2 to 2 1/2 Years Depending on Classification of Property |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | |
Statute: | 35 ILCS 200/21 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | “Overbid” (Premium) |
Frequency: | Annually Sometime in the Fall |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 10% Penalty if Redeemed in 1st 6 Months, 15% Penalty if Redeemed in Months 6-12, but Only on the Taxes and Fees Not the Overbid. Overbid Amount Receives 5% Interest. |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year if Sold at County Sale, Liens Not Sold at County Sale Are Certified to Commissioner and Sold in “Commissioner’s Certificate Sale” With 120 Day Redemption Period |
Online Auction: | Yes |
Over the Counter: | No but There Is a Second Auction Called a Commissioners Certificate Auction With a Shorter Redemption Period of 120 Days |
Statute: | Indiana Code 6-1.1-25 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Random Selection Process in Lieu of Bid Down Ownership Interest |
Frequency: | Annually 3rd Monday of June |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 24% |
Redemption Period: | 2 Years |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Iowa Code Chapter 446 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Sealed Bid First Come First Serve Basis but Must Be Present |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Kentucky Rev Statute Ch 134 Art 420 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Ownership Interest Bid Down |
Frequency: | Yearly in May-June; Deeds: Monthly |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% + 5% Penalty |
Redemption Period: | 3 Years |
Online Auction: | Yes |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Louisiana Revised Statute 47-2157 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Varies by County |
Frequency: | Annually in May – June |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | Varies by County. Anywhere Between 8% – 20% |
Redemption Period: | 6 Months |
Online Auction: | Some |
Over the Counter: | |
Statute: | General Assembly of Maryland 14-833 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | “Rotational” Bidding System |
Frequency: | Annually in March |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 14% |
Redemption Period: | 3 Years |
Online Auction: | Only Douglas County |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Nebraska Statue 77-1801 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Varies |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Rhode Island Code Chapter 44-9-1 |
Notes: | Sales Handled by Municipality, Not County |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Premium “Overbid” |
Frequency: | Annually in Aug |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 10% With 8% on Subsequent Years |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year |
Online Auction: | Few |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Missouri General Assembly Ch 140 |
Notes: | Must Be a State Resident to Bid at Lien Sales. City of St Louis and Jackson County Use Different Process (Tax Deeds) |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Bid Down the Interest Rate + Premium |
Frequency: | Annually Throughout the Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 18% + 2%-6% Penalty and 8% – 18% on Subs Depending on the Amount |
Redemption Period: | 2 Years |
Online Auction: | Some |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | New Jersey Statutes Title 54 Ch 5 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | By Assignment via First Come First Serve Basis With Legal Requirements by Investor |
Frequency: | Annually in July |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 10% + 2% Penalty |
Redemption Period: | 3 Years |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Montana Code Ann 2015 Sec 15-16-301 |
Type: | Hybrid – Both |
Bidding Process: | Premium on Deeds |
Frequency: | Annually – Varies Throughout Year |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 20% on Liens With Bid Down |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | Yes |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | New York Real Property Tax Law Art 11 |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | 3rd Monday Yearly in Dec |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% |
Redemption Period: | 3 Years + 60 Days |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | South Dakota Statutes Title 10 Chapter 20 |
Notes: | Tax Lien Sales Are Not Common in SD |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Varies Based on Supply |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 12% |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Vermont Statutes Title 32 Ch 133-9 |
Notes: | Overbid Does Not Get Returned and Does Not Earn Interest. However, Tax Sales Are Very Rare in Vermont |
Type: | Tax Lien Certificate |
Bidding Process: | Random Selection |
Frequency: | Annually in Jul – Sep |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 15% + 3% Penalty |
Redemption Period: | 4 Years |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Wyoming Statutes Title 39 Chapter 13 |
Type: | Redeemable Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Yearly – Varies County by County |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year With 1% Monthly Interest |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Statute: | Hawaii Const Art 8 Sec 3 Ch 246 |
Type: | Redeemable Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually in Fall |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 3% Per Quarter Capped at 12% Annually |
Redemption Period: | 1 Year |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | No |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Annually on the Third Tues in Nov |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes, on County Basis |
Type: | N/A |
Bidding Process: | N/A |
Frequency: | N/A |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | N/A |
Over the Counter: | N/A |
Statute: | 2016 New Hampshire Rev Stat 5-80 |
Type: | Redeemable Deed |
Bidding Process: | Premium |
Frequency: | Monthly on First Tuesday of the Month |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | 25% Penalty Per 6 Months for Non Homestead or Special Land Use Properties. If 2 Yr Redemption Period Applies 25% for 1st Year and 50% Penalty for 2nd Year |
Redemption Period: | 6 Months for Most Properties. 2 Years for Homestead and Special Land Use Properties |
Online Auction: | The Vast Majority No but in 2019 Two Counties (Victoria & Orange) |
Over the Counter: | Sealed Bid for “Struck Off” Properties |
Statute: | Texas Tax Code 1-E-24A |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | First Come First Serve Basis via Sealed Bid |
Frequency: | Varies by Burrough Preferences |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Alaska Statutes 29.45 Sec 320 |
Type: | Tax Deed |
Bidding Process: | First Come First Serve Basis via Sealed Bid |
Frequency: | Varies by Burrough Preferences |
Interest Rate / Penalty: | N/A |
Redemption Period: | N/A |
Online Auction: | No |
Over the Counter: | Yes |
Statute: | Alaska Statutes 29.45 Sec 320 |