Real Estate Tax

Tax Certificate Buyer Information

The Tax Certificate sale is open to anyone. In order to participate in the sale participants must register as a bidder with the Hillsborough County Tax Collectors office via Lien Hub.

  • Register as a bidder for Hillsborough County. A bidder number is assigned for identification purposes during the sale.
  • Make a deposit. Bidders are required to make a deposit via ACH Debit on the Lien Hub payments page that is 10% of the estimated amount they intend to purchase. The deposit may be increased any time prior to the close of the auction.
  • Complete an IRS W-9 Form. Registered bidders must provide their Federal Taxpayer Identification number or Social Security number. (Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct social security number or taxpayer identification number to persons who must file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, and certain other income paid to you. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help verify the accuracy of your tax return. In addition, Title 42 U.S. Code, § 405(c)(2)(C)(i) and Florida Statute 119.071(5) govern and authorize the collection of this information by the Tax Collector.)

If you are a registered Tax certificate buyer/investor and need to update your mailing address or change your banking information, please submit the update by signing into your account on LienHub.com.

Sale Information

Tax Certificate Sale

Florida Statute Chapter 197, indicates that the Tax Collector must start the tax certificate auction on or before June 1st. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector holds an online Tax Certificate Sale/Auction. In an online tax certificate sale the bids are transmitted and received through the HCTC Tax Lien site.

Electronic bidding provides numerous benefits to tax certificate investors as well as the citizens of Hillsborough County. Internet auctions not only increase the speed and efficiency of the tax certificate sale, but ensure the prompt and accurate collection of delinquent tax revenue needed to fund vital county services. In addition, it is a convenient way to invest in tax certificates without leaving the comfort of your home or office.

Tax certificates convey no property rights. They are an interest bearing “lien”. Prior to the auction, the list of delinquent properties is advertised once a week for three consecutive weeks.

The interest on a tax certificate ranges from 0 to 18%. Valid bids may be entered between 0 and 18% in 0.25% increments. If the tax certificate is redeemed after June 1 the tax certificate holder is guaranteed a minimum of 5% interest. Zero percent bids will not earn the 5% minimum interest. Bids are entered and awarded to the buyer with the lowest interest rate bid. Simple interest accrues on a monthly basis. If the tax certificate earns an interest rate of 12%, then interest will accrue at the rate of 1% per month until the tax certificate is redeemed.

Upon redemption of delinquent taxes, accrued interest and advertising costs, the Tax Collector’s office then reimburses the tax certificate holder/investor all monies due.