Where do you find tax lien certificates?

[Vera Michaels]

I would like to get started with Tax Lien certificates but I don't know where to find these? Has anyone had experience with this form of investment?

Thanks in advance.

[Ned Carey]

@Vera Michaels yes they are bought at auctions held by the county or some cities.  CA does not offer them. In CA and other states they sell Tax Deeds. 

To find tax sales generally go to the county website and they will usually have information. It may be hard to find. The best you might find is a phone number to the property tax office and you can ask them. More and  more auctions are online to that makes it easier to buy out of our area. 

It is important to understand that tax sale laws vary by state and sometimes substantially. It is important to know the laws where you are bidding because it will affect how you should bid, the returns you might expect and the risks you  may be taking. 

There are places you can buy tax liens in the secondary market, instead of directly from the county. If you do that you are paying a premium to a middle man. You are probably also buying riskier liens. 

There are many tax lien experts here on BP.