State Summary

• Tax Collection Method: Liens
• Primary Bidding Type: Premium
• Redemption Period: 2 years
• Redemption Interest Rate/Flat Penalty: 10% simple interest per annum

The following information summarizes the life cycle, requirements, and administering of tax liens in the state of Missouri. Please read this information carefully. There are tax collection laws that pertain to all counties in Missouri, but be aware that there are subtle differences between the counties as well. When the word "typical" is used in the FAQs below, it indicates that most counties use this procedure/follow this convention, but not all counties.

Is Missouri a tax lien or a tax deed state?
Missouri is considered a tax lien state, but tax deeds are also sold in the state. If a tax lien certificate is not sold at two consecutive tax lien sales, then it is sold as a tax deed at the third annual sale. Tax deeds are also sold over-the-counter.

What is the name of the county official whom typically collects property taxes in Missouri?
Collector of Revenue.

When are property taxes due in the state of Missouri?
The annual property tax payment is due December 31.

When do property taxes become delinquent in the state of Missouri? 
Tax bills become delinquent January 1. Interest on delinquent tax bills accrues at 1.5% per month (or fraction of a month).

What is the name of the county official whom typically conducts tax lien sales in Missouri?
Collector of Revenue.

When does the typical Missouri county hold their annual tax lien sale?
Missouri counties hold their annual tax certificate sale on the fourth Monday in August.

What are the registration requirements for the typical Missouri tax lien sale?
Registration requirements vary by county. Out-of-state investors must use a county resident to act as their representative in a tax certificate sale. Some counties prohibit out-of-state investors entirely.

What is the bidding type used at a typical Missouri tax lien sale?
Missouri counties hold a public outcry auction with premium bidding.

What forms of payment are generally accepted at a typical Missouri tax lien sale?
A typical Missouri county requires certified funds. Some counties accept personal checks and credit cards.

What are the general terms of payment for the typical tax lien certificate purchased at a Missouri tax lien sale?
Most Missouri counties require full payment the day of the sale.

What is the maximum return (interest rate and/or flat penalty rate) investors earn while they hold the tax lien certificate?
The state-mandated interest rate is 10% per annum, or 0.83% accrual per month (or fraction of a month). The simple interest only applies to the minimum bid (amount of taxes owed) and not on any amount over the minimum bid. So, if a tax lien certificate is redeemed just prior to the end of the two-year redemption period, the investor's return would be 20%. Keep in mind that the return will be reduced by any amount of overbid. To retain the tax lien certificate, the purchaser is also expected to pay the subsequent taxes for the following two years. Interest on subsequent tax payments accrues at 8% per annum with the total amount paid plus interest due upon redemption of the tax lien certificate.

What is the redemption period for tax lien certificates in Missouri?
The redemption period is two years and starts on the day that the certificate is purchased by the investor.

Are tax liens certificates offered "over-the-counter" in Missouri?
No, but tax lien certificates that have "matured" into tax deeds are sold over-the-counter.

What is the name of the county official whom typically determines the values of properties on a annual basis?
Assessor.

For more information on the life cycle, requirements, and administering of tax liens in the state of Missouri, refer to Title X - Taxation and Revenue in the Missouri Revised Statutes.

Missouri County Reference