The unpaid property taxes are actually what is referred to the tax portion of the term. Lien is actually defined in the dictionary as:
“The legal claim of one person upon the property of another person to secure the payment of a debt or the satisfaction of an obligation.”
Tax lien uses an individuals property as collateral to ensure the settlement of a tax-related debt owed to another person or entity. While initially that debt is owed to the government that imposes the taxes, after a set amount of time these government agencies will auction unpaid debts to recoup their own expenses more quickly, opening an opportunity for savvy investors.
Investing in tax liens is not just 100% legal but you are also protected too. This is because tax lien is a product made by the federal government and therefore you are safe as you would be protected from the state that you bought the tax lien from. Also, for your convenience, they would be the one to handle the whole tax lien process for you.
Tax lien certificates are sold at tax sales conducted by a county or municipal official. It is completely open and safe because tax lien investors actually pay them the required taxes.
If the lien has already been handed over to the investor from the government, the investor will then be entitled to control the stated interest that is made by the government. The interest can reach from 8% to 25% per annum.
The property owner will have a set period of time to pay the new total (taxes, interest, and other related fees). If the property owner fails to pay within the arranged time frame, the lien now gives the investor the right to foreclose on the property.
Tax lien investing is a high yielding investment. Tax lien certificates are an attractive investment because you don’t need thousands of dollars to start and you don’t have to pay any brokerage fees.
Tax lien certificate is an investment that requires your attention and time. If it happens that you have made good purchases and have research the properties that are attached to the tax liens, then you would most likely be happier to acquire a property through foreclosure. However, the list of properties that you will usually have before the sale from the tax office is minimal only, in which it would only tell less about the property. Most often than not, you’ll only acquire the tax ID, amount owed and owner of record.
The first thing that you have to do is look up the assessment information on the property and find the address. Physically looking at the property is best so youll be sure that the assessment information is up to date. Make sure that the property is worth considerably more than the amount thats owed for back taxes. Keep in mind that you may have to pay the taxes on this property throughout the redemption period (if it doesnt redeem) before you can foreclose on it or apply for a deed.
Foreclosing on tax lien properties guarantees you a profit that is several times your initial investment.
Steve Jonas is an expert in tax lien investing. For more information on tax liens visit theNational Association of Tax Lien Investors