Arizona vs South Carolina
Same underlying data as the individual state pages, side by side. Statutory rates and redemption windows only — always confirm against the county's own auction notice before bidding.
| | Arizona | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Sale type | Tax lien certificate | Redeemable deed |
| Rate / penalty | Up to 16%, bid down | 3–12% of the bid by quarter, capped at the opening bid |
| Redemption | 3 years | 12 months |
These aren't the same kind of sale: Arizona runs a tax lien certificate, while South Carolina runs a redeemable deed. That changes what you actually hold after the sale — a claim against the debt in one case, the property itself (or a right to it) in the other.
Redemption windows differ: Arizona gives owners 3 years, South Carolina gives 12 months — the state with the shorter window resolves faster, for better or worse depending on what you're optimizing for.
Arizona tax lien certificates carry a maximum statutory rate of 16%, auctioned by bid-down similar to Florida. The redemption period is three years, one of the longer windows among common tax lien states.
Full Arizona page →South Carolina auctions the property itself, bid up from a mandatory opening bid equal to the taxes, penalties and costs (S.C. Code § 12-51-55). The owner may redeem within twelve months by paying the bid plus a lump sum of 3%, 6%, 9% or 12% depending on the quarter, never more than the opening bid (§ 12-51-90); otherwise the buyer receives a tax title (§ 12-51-130).
Full South Carolina page →Quick answers
Is Arizona or South Carolina a tax lien state?+
Arizona is a tax lien certificate state. South Carolina is a redeemable deed state.
Which has the higher rate, Arizona or South Carolina?+
Arizona: Up to 16%, bid down. South Carolina: 3–12% of the bid by quarter, capped at the opening bid. Compare the actual statutory ceiling, not just the headline number — most "up to" rates get bid down at auction.
Which redeems faster, Arizona or South Carolina?+
Redemption windows differ: Arizona gives owners 3 years, South Carolina gives 12 months — the state with the shorter window resolves faster, for better or worse depending on what you're optimizing for.
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See where these two rank against all 50 states: full rankings.
This page is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rates and redemption periods are set by state statute and can change by county or legislative session — always confirm against the county's own auction notice before bidding.