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South Carolina tax sales: the season preview

Quick answerSouth Carolina sells redeemable tax deeds for unpaid property taxes. Lien buyers can earn Tiered flat interest on the bid amount by redemption timing (§ 12-51-90(B)): 3% if redeemed in months 1-3, 6% in months 4-6, 9% in months 7-9, 12% in months 10-12; interest capped at the Forfeited Land Commission bid amount under § 12-51-55. Redemption: 12 months from the date of the delinquent tax sale (§ 12-51-90(A)); if not redeemed, the successful bidder receives a tax deed after the period expires Sales: Annual county delinquent tax sales in the fall, varying by county (commonly October-December) Governing law: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 12, Chapter 51 (esp. §§ 12-51-55, 12-51-90, 12-51-130).

What's actually for sale

South Carolina sells redeemable tax deeds. Premium / highest-bid sale — NOT a bid-down interest auction, despite frequent secondary-source mislabeling: overbidding dilutes yield because interest is capped at the Forfeited Land Commission (taxes/costs) bid. Buyer gets a tax sale certificate at sale and a tax deed only after the 12-month redemption period runs.

The rate that decides your return

Tiered flat interest on the bid amount by redemption timing (§ 12-51-90(B)): 3% if redeemed in months 1-3, 6% in months 4-6, 9% in months 7-9, 12% in months 10-12; interest capped at the Forfeited Land Commission bid amount under § 12-51-55

The clock you're investing against

Sale schedule: Annual county delinquent tax sales in the fall, varying by county (commonly October-December)

Redemption: 12 months from the date of the delinquent tax sale (§ 12-51-90(A)); if not redeemed, the successful bidder receives a tax deed after the period expires

Where the sales happen

mostly in-person (county delinquent tax collector sales; platform and venue vary by county). Lists post on the county's schedule, change as owners redeem, and registration typically closes before sale day — the investors who see the list first set the market.

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Deep dives: South Carolina laws · South Carolina investing guide · South Carolina sale calendar. Law verified 2026-10-30.