Story County, Iowa Tax Lien Certificates And Tax Deed Investing Guide

Introduction of Story County and this guide

Story County sits in central Iowa with Nevada as the county seat and Ames as the largest city. The county has strong ties to Iowa State University and steady housing demand.

This guide explains how Story County tax sales work. You will learn the typical sale date, sale time, auction rules, redemption period, and where to find official updates before you bid.

What is Story County tax lien and tax deed investing

Story County follows the Iowa tax lien certificate system. When owners do not pay property taxes, the county sells a tax lien at the annual tax sale.

You buy the lien, not the property right away. The owner has time to pay you back with interest. If the owner does not redeem in time, you can start the process to receive a tax deed and take title, if state rules are met.

Important details

Key Story County tax sale facts

Item	Summary	Link
Tax sale type	Annual tax lien certificate sale with tax deed option after redemption.	Story County tax sale page
Typical sale date	Third Monday in June each year, set by Iowa law practice.	Story County and Iowa tax sale info
Sale time	Online sale starts at 9 am Central and ends about 10:30 am.	Story County tax sale memo
Registration	Online registration required with fee, bank account, and tax form.	Iowa Tax Auction website
Redemption period	About two years from sale date for regular tax sale liens.	Iowa Code and county terms
Interest rate	Two percent interest per month on sale amount and later payments.	Iowa tax sale guidance
Bid method	Bid down undivided interest from 100 percent to as low as 1 percent.	Story County terms
Payment	Same day ACH payment for all winning bids and fees.	Story County terms
Main county page	Story County Treasurer tax sale information.	Story County official website
Auction platform	Online bidding through Iowa Tax Auction program.	IowaTaxAuction website

Fun facts about Story County

• Story County includes Ames, home of Iowa State University and a large student community.
  
• The county has a mix of smaller towns and rural land, with many farms and service jobs.
  
• Population has grown over time, and most people live in or near Ames.
  
• Property taxes help support schools, roads, and local services across the county.
  

Attractions and economic highlights

• Attractions include Iowa State University, Reiman Gardens, local museums, and historic downtown areas.
  
• Main routes include major state highways and nearby interstate access, plus local airport service in Ames.
  
• Key industries include education, health care, manufacturing, and retail.
  
• Residents enjoy parks, trails, sports events, and many campus activities year round.
  

Why Story County is ideal for tax lien and tax deed investors

• Rental demand is strong in and around Ames due to students, staff, and local workers.
  
• State tax lien opportunities in Iowa use clear rules, which helps new investors.
  
• Tax liens here offer high returns because state law sets a two percent monthly rate.
  
• Careful picks can make this a low risk investment compared with many other income options.
  

Auction process for Story County tax lien and deed sales

Story County holds its tax sale once a year. The sale is usually on the third Monday in June. It runs as an online auction. The sale opens at 9 in the morning Central Time and closes around 10:30.

The county uses an online platform that handles registration, parcel lists, and bidding. You must finish all registration steps before the deadline. That includes the fee, bank details, and tax form. When the sale closes, payments are pulled by ACH from your bank.

How the auction works on the day of sale

• Before the sale, the county publishes a list of all parcels with unpaid taxes in a local newspaper and on the auction site.
  
• Each parcel starts at a one hundred percent undivided interest in the tax lien.
  
• Investors bid by lowering the interest share they will accept, from ninety nine percent down to as low as one percent.
  
• The investor who offers the smallest percentage wins the tax sale certificate for that parcel.
  
• If two or more bidders stop at the same low percent, the system uses a random choice to decide the winner.
  
• After the sale closes, the auction system issues an invoice and the county pulls funds by ACH.
  
• The Treasurer issues the tax sale certificates and records them. You then have the right to pay later taxes on that parcel as subsequent payments.
  
• If some parcels do not sell, the Treasurer may hold adjourned sales on later business days when bidders are present.
  

Maximum potential returns and expected returns

Iowa tax liens pay a high interest rate. By law, the rate is two percent per month on the amount sold at tax sale. This interest also applies to later taxes you pay on the same parcel as subsequent payments. Each part of a month counts as a full month of interest.

In Story County, many owner occupied homes redeem in a short time. That can create very strong annual yields even when the actual dollar interest seems small. Other parcels, such as land or rentals, may redeem closer to the end of the redemption period. Those liens can create even higher total returns, but your money stays in the deal longer.

If a lien does not redeem and you follow every notice rule, you may move toward a tax deed. In that case, your main gain can shift from interest income to control of the property.

Open to all investors and foreign investor participation

Story County tax sales are open to adult investors who meet state rules. You do not need to live in Story County or in Iowa. Many bidders take part from other states.

You must register on the auction website, pay the fee, and complete a tax form so the county can report your interest income. Some international investors can join as well. Extra tax and banking rules may apply, so out of country buyers should talk with a tax adviser and also contact the Treasurer and auction support team before they register.

This makes Story County part of a wider group of global investment opportunities in state tax lien certificates.

Importance of due diligence in Story County tax lien and tax deed investing

Due diligence means you study each parcel before you bid. The tax sale list is long. Not every property is a good deal. Careful research helps you focus on parcels that fit your plan and budget. It also reduces the risk of later surprises.

What due diligence entails

• Look up each parcel on the Story County assessor and GIS maps to confirm land size, use, and buildings.
  
• Check aerial images and street views so you can see access, nearby uses, and general condition.
  
• Review public records at the Recorder office to check for other liens, easements, or legal issues.
  
• Study local sales and rent levels so you can plan a resale or rental exit if you get a deed.
  
• Read the full Story County tax sale terms and ask the Treasurer about any point that seems unclear.
  

Risks of skipping due diligence

• You may buy property with no legal road access or in a flood area, which can hurt value.
  
• A house may need heavy repairs or even removal, which can remove your expected profit.
  
• Senior liens, special assessments, or unpaid city bills may stay on the property after a tax deed.
  
• You may face extra time and cost if tenants or owners still live on the property after you get a deed.
  

Why Story County is a top choice for tax lien and tax deed investors

Story County offers a clear tax lien system, strong rental demand, and an easy to follow online auction. That mix gives investors many ways to design a plan. You can focus on quick redemptions for interest income or aim for longer plays that may end in a tax deed and full ownership.

Economic and tax advantages

• Large education and health employers support stable local jobs and steady rent demand.
  
• The county follows the same Iowa tax sale laws used in many other counties, so rules are clear.
  
• State interest rates are high compared with many bank and bond returns, which boosts income.
  

Real estate market overview

• Ames and nearby towns show solid housing demand from students, families, and workers.
  
• Many tax sale parcels are modest homes or small lots that fit smaller starting budgets.
  
• Once you understand Story County rules, you can use the same skills in other Iowa counties.
  

Conclusion

Story County, Iowa offers a clear path for tax lien and tax deed investing. The county uses an online tax lien auction once a year, usually on the third Monday in June. Investors who prepare well can enjoy strong investment potential from high interest income or from later ownership through tax deeds.

To enjoy these tax lien and tax deed benefits, you need solid habits. Study each parcel. Learn the state and county rules. Plan your exit for every deal before you bid. Thorough research turns tax liens from guesswork into smart investing and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

Pro tips for Story County investors

• Start with a small group of parcels and learn the full cycle from sale to redemption or deed.
  
• Focus first on homes in stable areas of Ames and Nevada with clear roads and nearby services.
  
• Build a simple checklist for every parcel, including maps, photos, liens, and exit plan.
  
• Keep a written calendar of every key date, including redemption deadlines and notice periods.
  
• Join local or online groups of Iowa tax sale investors so you can learn from other real deals.
  

Story County tax lien and tax deed FAQs

Useful links

• Iowa Tax Liens: Investing for Steady Returns
• Tax Lien Certificates Explained: A Comprehensive Overview
• Step-by-Step Guide to Beginner Tax Lien Investing

You can also build topic clusters on your site by linking this Story County guide to other Iowa county tax lien articles such as Polk County, Dallas County, Black Hawk County, and Linn County.

Need a hand

If you want help with Story County tax liens, you can reach out to our team. You can learn more through our free resources, check the Auction Calendar for new Iowa sales, and book a call to go over your plan. Use these investment resources to turn what you read into clear action and build your tax lien investing skills with guidance.

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

5–10deals/mo

2009TLS founded