South Carolina vs Wyoming
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.
| | South Carolina | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Sale type | Redeemable deed | Tax lien certificate |
| Rate / penalty | 3–12% of the bid by quarter, capped at the opening bid | 15% + one-time 3% penalty, no bidding |
| Redemption | 12 months | 4+ years |
These aren't the same kind of sale: South Carolina runs a redeemable deed, while Wyoming runs a tax lien certificate. 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: South Carolina gives owners 12 months, Wyoming gives 4+ years — the state with the shorter window resolves faster, for better or worse depending on what you're optimizing for.
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 →Wyoming certificates are sold for the amount due, with no bidding on rate or price; when several buyers want a parcel, the county draws a number. The owner repays the price plus a one-time 3% and 15% simple interest a year (W.S. 39-13-109(e)(iv)), and can redeem until the holder's deed application is accepted, which is allowed from four to six years after the sale (W.S. 39-13-108(e)(v)).
Full Wyoming page →Quick answers
Is South Carolina or Wyoming a tax lien state?+
South Carolina is a redeemable deed state. Wyoming is a tax lien certificate state.
Which has the higher rate, South Carolina or Wyoming?+
South Carolina: 3–12% of the bid by quarter, capped at the opening bid. Wyoming: 15% + one-time 3% penalty, no bidding. Compare the actual statutory ceiling, not just the headline number — most "up to" rates get bid down at auction.
Which redeems faster, South Carolina or Wyoming?+
Redemption windows differ: South Carolina gives owners 12 months, Wyoming gives 4+ years — 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.