How do I start tax sale investing in Ohio?

Learn the system first: Ohio sells liens + tax deeds (hybrid) under Ohio Revised Code Title LVII, Chapters 5721 (delinquent lands; 5721.31-5721.38 tax certificates, 5721.19 deed sales), 5722 and 5723 (forfeited lands). Register with the county or its auction platform before the sale, post any required deposit, research each parcel in the property appraiser and clerk records, and set your max number before bidding.

Ohio Tax Sale Investing Guide — Two ways to play: liens and deeds

Investing guides / Ohio

Ohio tax sale investing: two ways to play: liens and deeds

Quick answerOhio sells liens + tax deeds (hybrid) for unpaid property taxes. Lien buyers can earn For tax lien certificates: up to 18% per annum, bid down at auction (lowest rate wins), simple interest (ORC 5721.32(C)); subsequent taxes paid by the certificate holder accrue at 18% regardless of the bid rate. Tax deed / foreclosure sales pay no interest - the buyer acquires the property.. Redemption: For lien certificates: the holder may not initiate foreclosure until at least 1 year after the certificate sale (ORC 5721.37(A)); the owner may redeem until foreclosure is confirmed / a decree conveying title is entered (ORC 5721.38). For tax foreclosure (deed) sales, the owner's equity of redemption is cut off on confirmation of the sheriff's sale. Sales: Lien certificate sales are annual in eligible large counties, typically in the fall (October-November in the major metros); tax foreclosure sheriff sales and county auditor forfeited-land sales occur year-round on county schedules (some sheriff sales are weekly). Governing law: Ohio Revised Code Title LVII, Chapters 5721 (delinquent lands; 5721.31-5721.38 tax certificates, 5721.19 deed sales), 5722 and 5723 (forfeited lands).

How it works in Ohio

Ohio runs both systems — tax lien certificates for yield, and tax deed auctions for property. Most investors pick one lane per county and master its calendar.

Interest / penalty: For tax lien certificates: up to 18% per annum, bid down at auction (lowest rate wins), simple interest (ORC 5721.32(C)); subsequent taxes paid by the certificate holder accrue at 18% regardless of the bid rate. Tax deed / foreclosure sales pay no interest - the buyer acquires the property.

Redemption: For lien certificates: the holder may not initiate foreclosure until at least 1 year after the certificate sale (ORC 5721.37(A)); the owner may redeem until foreclosure is confirmed / a decree conveying title is entered (ORC 5721.38). For tax foreclosure (deed) sales, the owner's equity of redemption is cut off on confirmation of the sheriff's sale.

When sales happen: Lien certificate sales are annual in eligible large counties, typically in the fall (October-November in the major metros); tax foreclosure sheriff sales and county auditor forfeited-land sales occur year-round on county schedules (some sheriff sales are weekly).

Where sales run: County-specific: sheriff foreclosure sales in large counties (e.g., Cuyahoga and Franklin) run online via RealAuction; lien certificate sales are county-contracted or sold in bulk blocks, and auditor forfeited-land sales are commonly in-person at the courthouse. No single statewide platform.

Governing law: Ohio Revised Code Title LVII, Chapters 5721 (delinquent lands; 5721.31-5721.38 tax certificates, 5721.19 deed sales), 5722 and 5723 (forfeited lands)

The investor's edge

Your edge is calendar mastery: certificate season and deed sales run on different clocks here, and the investors who win are the ones who never miss a list posting.

Only counties with a population of at least 200,000 may sell tax lien certificates (ORC 5721.31); all other counties enforce through tax foreclosure / deed sales only. Certificates are frequently sold in large blocks, which favors institutional buyers over individuals.

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Full legal reference: Ohio tax sale laws. Verified 2026-10-30 against the sources on that page. Educational only, not investment advice.