Tax lien certificate
A document a county sells at auction giving the buyer the right to collect an unpaid property tax debt, plus statutory interest, from the property owner. It does not transfer ownership of the property — it's a claim against the debt, not the property itself.
See how this plays out in a specific state: browse all 50 states, or check the full glossary for related terms.
General definition — exact terminology and mechanics vary by state and county. Always confirm against the specific county's own auction notice before bidding.