Wondering how to invest in tax liens? Tax lien investing is quite different from bond investing or the traditional stock market, so it’s essential to understand what you are getting yourself into.
- The Local Government Creates a Tax Lien Certificate
Local governments, in many cases, charge property taxes to help fund government services and programs. The local or municipal government creates a lien and issues a tax lien certificate if a homeowner does not pay their property tax bill. This certificate contains details, including the amount of tax owed and any applicable interest or penalties.
If the property owner still doesn’t pay their tax bill with an interest claim, then the government has the right to foreclose on the home.
- The Tax Lien Certificate Is Applied for Auction
In most states of the US, the government can sell tax lien certificates to private investors, which allows them to recover their losses more efficiently. The certificate is typically sold at a tax lien auction when the highest bidder receives it.
- Investors Offer on The Certificate of The Tax Lien
Depending on the auction, bids may be based either on the cash amount someone is ready to pay for the certificate or the interest rate they are willing to accept.
In the case of cash offers, a certificate goes to the bidder who holds the highest bid, and in the case of interest rate, it goes to the one who bid the lowest.
Remember that your potential profit will decrease with the lower interest rate you provide on a tax lien certificate. Tax lien bidding wars may lower the interest rate and, as a result, the profit.
- Successful Investor Acquires Ownership of the Property
The tax lien certificate belongs to the highest bidder in an auction for tax liens. Technically speaking, they do not now possess the property. But it allows them to seize the home through a foreclosure or receive compensation when the homeowner eventually settles their tax debt.
- Investor Pays Amount Owed in Taxes
When you win a tax lien auction, you are immediately responsible for paying the tax bill, including any fees or interest owed. Then, the homeowner has a specific time before the competition period deadline, by which time they must pay the new investor or risk foreclosure.
- Repayment or Foreclosure
When you get the tax lien code certificate, there are two results: either the homeowner will pay their property taxes or won’t. If the homeowner pays their property taxes, you have the right to begin foreclosure. Depending on the state, there can be an expiration period that mandates that you start foreclosure soon after purchasing the tax lien. You risk losing the ability to recoup your investment if you do nothing.
It’s crucial to remember that situations rarely escalate to that point. Most homeowners settle their tax obligations before the foreclosure process starts.
What are Top Advantages of Tax Lien Investing?
- It Helps you with Receiving Interest Rate Returns
The benefit from tax lien investing comes from the interest homeowners pay when paying their delinquent taxes. Interest rates of banks can vary depending on where you reside. For instance, in Florida, the highest interest rate on tax liens is 18%, whereas in Alabama, the fixed rate is 12%. Keep in mind that if you bid down the interest rate, the rate on the lien isn’t precisely what you’ll receive.
- It Holds up Initial investment Passive
Tax lien investing requires a significant amount of real-time research upfront. Investors can passively invest in tax lien code without attending the auction or worrying about other intricacies. For a more passive investing experience, you can work with a Professional or fund manager of a reputed Tax Lien Association.
Bottom line
Investment in real estate through the purchase of tax lien certificates for unpaid property taxes is known as tax lien investing. These certificates become profitable in the likely scenario that the homeowner pays their tax bill. While they can offer a generous return, it’s important to understand the significant risk included in this type of investing. If you’re interested to know about Tax Lien Investing in-depth, feel free to connect to the Tax Lien Code’s official website!
