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Sep 17, 2026Returns

Average Return on Tax Lien Certificates: What the Statute Pays vs What Investors Keep

There is no single average. The statutory rate is a ceiling set by state law (Iowa 24% fixed, Florida and New Jersey 18%, Arizona 16%, Kentucky 12%; Illinois sells penalty bids capped at 9% per six-month period, 35 ILCS 200/21-215), and the realized return depends on the bid method, how soon the owner redeems, and your costs.

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Educational and operational information only, not legal, tax, or investment advice. Returns are not guaranteed. Confirm auction information with the administering authority and complete parcel-level due diligence.