Reference 02 / 12·Reviewed Aug 2026

Tax Lien Interest Rates by State

Tax lien laws vary widely by state: some charge a fixed interest rate, others allow competitive bidding, and some sell the property outright through a tax deed sale. Below you’ll find a breakdown of lien types, interest rates, and redemption periods for the states we serve. This is reference information only—always check your local statutes or speak with an attorney.

31States covered 31Linked sources CSVFree download Aug 2026Last reviewed
Mechanism

The county sells the debt, not the house

In a lien sale the investor buys a certificate and earns interest until the unpaid taxes are repaid.

Rates

Roughly 8% to 36%, depending on the state

Some states fix the rate by statute; others run competitive bidding that drives the rate down.

Risk

Miss the redemption window and the lienholder can foreclose

A tax lien can put the house at risk even when the mortgage is completely current.

The data
Download the full datasettax-lien-interest-rates.csv31 rows31 source links Download Now
Tax Lien Interest Rates by State
State ▾TaxSaleType ▾InterestRate ▾RedemptionPeriod ▾Notes ▾SourceName ▾SourceURL ▾
AlabamaTax Liens12%3 yearsTax lien states; interest capped at 12%Tax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
ArizonaTax Liens16%3 yearsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
ArkansasTax DeedsN/ANo redemptionTax deeds only; no redemption periodTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
ColoradoTax LiensPrime + 9%3 yearsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
ConnecticutRedemption Deeds18%6 monthsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
DelawareRedemption Deeds15%6 monthsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
FloridaHybrid (Lien/Deed)Max 18%~22 monthsBuyers bid down interest; effective ~22 moTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
GeorgiaTax Liens10%1 yearSome counties allow 10%; verify locallyTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
IdahoTax DeedsN/ANo redemptionTax deeds only; no redemptionTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
IllinoisTax Liens36% max2.5 yearsInterest capped at 36%; redemption by owner or purchaserTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
IndianaTax Liens10%1 yearAnnual 10% interest; owner redemption within 1 yearTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
IowaTax Liens2% monthly (up to 24%)2 years2% monthly premium, sets at 24%; redemption within 2 yearsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
KansasTax Liens12% max1 yearInterest up to 12%; redemption within 1 yearTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
KentuckyTax Liens12% max1 yearUp to 12%, owner may redeem within 1 yearTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
LouisianaTax DeedsN/ANo redemptionTax deeds only; no redemptionTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
MassachusettsTax DeedsN/ANo redemptionTax deeds only; no redemptionTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
MichiganTax Liens18%1 yearInterest capped at 18%; redemption within 1 yearTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
MinnesotaTax Liens8%3 yearsFixed 8%; redemption within 3 yearsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
MississippiTax DeedsN/ANo redemptionTax deeds only; no redemptionTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
MissouriTax LiensSection 50 statutes apply1 yearInterest per statute §140.100; owner redemption within 1 yearTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
New JerseyTax LiensN/A2 yearsInterest calculated at foreclosure rate; redemption within 2 yearsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
North CarolinaTax Liens8%10 days (upset bid)Upset-bid process; redemption via higher bid within 10 daysTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
OhioTax LiensNo interest21 monthsNo interest; premium bid; redemption within 21 monthsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
PennsylvaniaTax Liens9% plus costs6 monthsInterest + costs; redemption within 6 monthsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
South CarolinaTax Liens10%2 years10% interest; redemption within 2 yearsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
TennesseeTax LiensNo interest1 yearNo interest unless bidder opts in; redemption within 1 yearTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
TexasTax Liens18%6 months18% interest; redemption within 6 monthsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
UtahTax DeedsN/ANo redemptionTax deeds only; no redemptionTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
VirginiaTax Liens10%1 yearInterest fixed at 10%; redemption within 1 yearTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
New YorkTax Liens18%2 years18% interest; redemption within 2 yearsTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source
WisconsinTax Liens12%1 year (sometimes 2 yrs)12% interest; redemption within 1–2 years depending on countyTax Sale State Breakdown ChartView source

Last reviewed: August 2026 by Aldric Property SolutionsReference only — not legal adviceSort by tapping a column headingSwipe the table sideways — the state and the headings stay pinned

Questions

Frequently asked

01What is a tax lien sale?

A tax lien sale happens when a homeowner falls behind on property taxes. Instead of seizing the home immediately, the county sells a lien certificate to investors. The investor earns interest until the debt is repaid.

02What’s the difference between a tax lien and a tax deed?
  • A tax lien sale means investors buy the right to collect unpaid taxes plus interest.
  • A tax deed sale means the property itself is sold after taxes remain unpaid. Some states also use “redemption deeds,” a hybrid system.
03How much interest do tax liens earn?

It depends on the state. Rates range from about 8% to 36%, with some states allowing competitive bidding that drives the rate down.

04What happens if I can’t pay off a tax lien?

If the redemption period expires without repayment, the lienholder can often foreclose and take ownership of the property.

Behind on Property Taxes?

A tax lien can put your home at risk—even if you’re current on your mortgage. Don’t wait until the redemption clock runs out. Aldric Property Solutions buys homes with tax liens and can help you avoid losing your property to an investor.

Get My Cash Offer

This page is a general reference for the states Aldric Property Solutions serves. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and statutes change. Confirm your own situation with a licensed attorney or advisor in your state before acting on anything here.