Owner falls behind
A property owner doesn't pay property taxes. The county needs that revenue.
PricePocketAsset · Liens
PricePocketAsset helps investors understand, evaluate and bid on tax liens with clear numbers and plain language.
A property owner doesn't pay property taxes. The county needs that revenue.
The county sells the unpaid-tax lien to investors, who pay the back taxes.
The owner repays the taxes plus statutory interest during the redemption period. You earn that interest.
If never redeemed, some states let the lienholder start foreclosure. This is rare, and rules vary widely.
Illustrative simple-interest estimate. Actual rules (premium bids, penalty tiers, fees) vary by state and county.
Examples only. Rates and periods change, so always confirm with the county before bidding. See the full state guide →
| State | Type | Typical max rate | Redemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Bid-down rate | 18% | 2 years |
| Arizona | Bid-down rate | 16% | 3 years |
| Illinois | Bid-down penalty | Up to 18% per 6 mo. | 2–3 years |
| New Jersey | Bid-down rate | 18% | 2 years |
| Texas | Redeemable deed | 25% (varies) | 6 months–2 years |
No. Risks include a worthless or contaminated property, bankruptcy of the owner, lost redemption, and fees. Do your due diligence on every parcel.
Rarely. Most liens are redeemed. Foreclosure is possible in some states and is a legal process.
Many liens are a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, though some counties require registration deposits.
No. PricePocketAsset provides education only. Consult a licensed professional before investing.
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