Iowa 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.
| | Iowa | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Sale type | Tax lien certificate | Redeemable deed |
| Rate / penalty | 24% flat (2%/month), no bid-down | 3–12% of the bid by quarter, capped at the opening bid |
| Redemption | 1 year 9 months (+ 90-day notice) | 12 months |
These aren't the same kind of sale: Iowa 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: Iowa gives owners 1 year 9 months (+ 90-day notice), South Carolina gives 12 months — the state with the shorter window resolves faster, for better or worse depending on what you're optimizing for.
Iowa fixes its tax lien interest at 2% per month (24% a year) under Iowa Code § 447.1, so the rate is never bid down; bidders compete on the smallest percentage of the parcel instead (§ 446.16). After one year and nine months the holder may serve notice, and the right to redeem ends ninety days after service is complete (§ 447.9, § 447.12).
Full Iowa 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 Iowa or South Carolina a tax lien state?+
Iowa is a tax lien certificate state. South Carolina is a redeemable deed state.
Which has the higher rate, Iowa or South Carolina?+
Iowa: 24% flat (2%/month), no 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, Iowa or South Carolina?+
Redemption windows differ: Iowa gives owners 1 year 9 months (+ 90-day notice), South Carolina gives 12 months — the state with the shorter window resolves faster, for better or worse depending on what you're optimizing for.
Want to line up more than two states, or swap in different ones? Use the interactive comparison tool — up to four states at once.
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.