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.
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.
Roughly 8% to 36%, depending on the state
Some states fix the rate by statute; others run competitive bidding that drives the rate down.
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.
| State ▾ | TaxSaleType ▾ | InterestRate ▾ | RedemptionPeriod ▾ | Notes ▾ | SourceName ▾ | SourceURL ▾ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Tax Liens | 12% | 3 years | Tax lien states; interest capped at 12% | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Arizona | Tax Liens | 16% | 3 years | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source | |
| Arkansas | Tax Deeds | N/A | No redemption | Tax deeds only; no redemption period | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Colorado | Tax Liens | Prime + 9% | 3 years | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source | |
| Connecticut | Redemption Deeds | 18% | 6 months | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source | |
| Delaware | Redemption Deeds | 15% | 6 months | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source | |
| Florida | Hybrid (Lien/Deed) | Max 18% | ~22 months | Buyers bid down interest; effective ~22 mo | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Georgia | Tax Liens | 10% | 1 year | Some counties allow 10%; verify locally | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Idaho | Tax Deeds | N/A | No redemption | Tax deeds only; no redemption | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Illinois | Tax Liens | 36% max | 2.5 years | Interest capped at 36%; redemption by owner or purchaser | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Indiana | Tax Liens | 10% | 1 year | Annual 10% interest; owner redemption within 1 year | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Iowa | Tax Liens | 2% monthly (up to 24%) | 2 years | 2% monthly premium, sets at 24%; redemption within 2 years | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Kansas | Tax Liens | 12% max | 1 year | Interest up to 12%; redemption within 1 year | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Kentucky | Tax Liens | 12% max | 1 year | Up to 12%, owner may redeem within 1 year | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Louisiana | Tax Deeds | N/A | No redemption | Tax deeds only; no redemption | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Massachusetts | Tax Deeds | N/A | No redemption | Tax deeds only; no redemption | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Michigan | Tax Liens | 18% | 1 year | Interest capped at 18%; redemption within 1 year | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Minnesota | Tax Liens | 8% | 3 years | Fixed 8%; redemption within 3 years | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Mississippi | Tax Deeds | N/A | No redemption | Tax deeds only; no redemption | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Missouri | Tax Liens | Section 50 statutes apply | 1 year | Interest per statute §140.100; owner redemption within 1 year | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| New Jersey | Tax Liens | N/A | 2 years | Interest calculated at foreclosure rate; redemption within 2 years | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| North Carolina | Tax Liens | 8% | 10 days (upset bid) | Upset-bid process; redemption via higher bid within 10 days | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Ohio | Tax Liens | No interest | 21 months | No interest; premium bid; redemption within 21 months | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Pennsylvania | Tax Liens | 9% plus costs | 6 months | Interest + costs; redemption within 6 months | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| South Carolina | Tax Liens | 10% | 2 years | 10% interest; redemption within 2 years | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Tennessee | Tax Liens | No interest | 1 year | No interest unless bidder opts in; redemption within 1 year | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Texas | Tax Liens | 18% | 6 months | 18% interest; redemption within 6 months | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Utah | Tax Deeds | N/A | No redemption | Tax deeds only; no redemption | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Virginia | Tax Liens | 10% | 1 year | Interest fixed at 10%; redemption within 1 year | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| New York | Tax Liens | 18% | 2 years | 18% interest; redemption within 2 years | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View source |
| Wisconsin | Tax Liens | 12% | 1 year (sometimes 2 yrs) | 12% interest; redemption within 1–2 years depending on county | Tax Sale State Breakdown Chart | View 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
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.
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.