Sale typeWhat you actually buy. A lien sale gives you a claim on the property and the owner keeps it for now; a deed sale transfers the property itself. A redeemable deed transfers ownership but still gives the former owner time to pay you back. See the full glossary for more terms.
redeemable deed
S.C. Code § 12-51-130; § 12-51-90
Interest / penaltyWhat you earn when the owner redeems. Interest is a rate paid over time; a penalty is usually a one-time percentage of the tax or redemption amount. A rate that is bid down during the auction is still interest. See the full glossary for more terms.
RedemptionHow long the former owner has to repay the debt and keep the property after the sale. Your money stays tied up until this window closes, so a long period can mean a multi-year wait on a lien. See the full glossary for more terms.
12 months
S.C. Code § 12-51-90(A)
Bid methodHow the winner is chosen: bidding the interest rate down, bidding a premium above the amount owed, a random or rotating draw, or simply buying at the minimum bid. See the full glossary for more terms.
public auction; Forfeited Land Commission bids the full delinquent amount
S.C. Code § 12-51-50; § 12-51-55
Sale timingWhen sales are typically held. Many counties publish sale lists only a few weeks ahead, and some sell continuously or on their own schedule. See the full glossary for more terms.
In personWhether the sale is online, in person, by sealed bid, or a mix. The format decides how you register and whether you can react to other bids. See the full glossary for more terms.
1.The officer charged with collecting delinquent taxes advertises the property and the sale is held at public auction at the courthouse or another convenient place within the county on the advertised date (12-51-50)
2.The officer submits an opening bid on behalf of the forfeited land commission equal to all unpaid property taxes, penalties, assessments, and costs (12-51-55)
3.Bid at the public auction; the property is sold to the highest bidder
4.The successful bidder pays the full amount of the bid on the day of the sale in cash, cashier's check, certified check, or money order (12-51-50, 12-51-60)
5.The officer furnishes the purchaser a receipt and the treasurer marks the public tax records as paid by the tax sale (12-51-60)
6.If the successful bidder fails to remit in legal tender within the time specified, the officer cancels the bid and readvertises the property (12-51-70)
RegistrationSigning up as a bidder before the sale. Counties set the deadlines and paperwork, which may include an application, identification, and a no-delinquent-taxes statement. See the full glossary for more terms.
Required: UnknownUnknown
Not verified from a source yet.
DepositMoney you must post before or at the sale, often a flat amount or a percentage of your bid. It is usually applied to the purchase price if you win and is often non-refundable if you fail to pay. See the full glossary for more terms.
Required: UnknownUnknown
Not verified from a source yet.
FormsPaperwork a county may collect before you can bid, such as a bidder ID card or a W-9 for tax reporting. See the full glossary for more terms.
Bidder ID card: UnknownW-9: Unknown
EligibilityRules about who may bid. Some counties restrict non-residents or bar anyone who owes delinquent taxes from participating. See the full glossary for more terms.
PaymentHow and when you must pay after winning. Certified or cleared funds are common and personal checks usually are not; missing the deadline typically forfeits your deposit. See the full glossary for more terms.