What are tax certificates

what are tax certificates

Every year, county governments across the United States levy property taxes on real estate. These taxes pay for public services such as teachers, police, and firefighters. Most property owners pay their taxes on time.

If property taxes are not paid on time, the county government will allow investors to pay on behalf of the real estate owner. The county will get its much needed funding to continue operations and the investor will assume the right to collect the interest and/or penalties that the state law officially requires.

Investors can purchase tax lien certificates by being the winning bidder at a public tax lien auction. Then the investor waits.

When the property owner pays their tax obligation, they repay the county the original cost of the tax lien certificate plus accrued interest and/or penalties. The county

government will then contact the investor and redeem the tax lien certificate by sending the same amount to the investor.

In the rare case that the property owner does not pay their taxes for a state-determined period of time, the investor may then start the foreclosure process on the property. Through foreclosure, any other junior liens will be extinguished and the investor will become the owner of the real estate free and clear. Junior liens include mortgages and contractor liens.

A tax lien certificate is a first priority lien on a real estate property whose owner is delinquent in paying their property tax. The holder of a certificate is entitled to the interest rate and/or penalties that are mandated by state law. The property owner must pay the original taxes plus accrued interest and penalties.

Source: www.treeviewcapital.com

Category: Insurance

Similar articles: