Howard County sits in north‑central Indiana and is home to Kokomo, a city known as the “City of Firsts.” The county has a mix of manufacturing, high‑tech jobs and a rich automotive history. Every year the county sells tax liens on properties with delinquent taxes. Investors who buy these liens can earn high returns if the owner pays the taxes or can obtain the property if the lien is not redeemed. This guide explains how the Howard County tax sale works, what investors should know about registration, bidding, redemption and returns, and why the county’s economy and history make it an appealing place for tax lien investing.

What is Howard County Tax Lien Investing?

Indiana counties, including Howard County, sell tax lien certificates rather than deeds. When property taxes go unpaid, the county treasurer auctions a lien on the property for at least the amount of delinquent taxes, fees and costs. The highest bidder receives a tax sale certificate that entitles them to collect interest and penalties from the property owner. Investors do not gain ownership immediately. The owner has a redemption period, generally one year, to pay the taxes and redeem the property. If the owner redeems, the investor is repaid the minimum bid plus interest. If the owner fails to redeem, the investor can petition for a tax deed after the redemption period.

Important Details

Item	Summary
Tax Sale Type	Howard County sells tax lien certificates (lien, not deed).
Typical Sale Date	The auction usually occurs mid‑to‑late October; recent sales were held on 10/17/2025 and 10/30/2024.
Sale Time	Sales start around 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
Registration Required	Yes. Investors must register on SRIservices.com; no pre‑auction deposit is required.
Registration Window	Registration typically opens a few weeks before the sale and closes about a week prior; check the county’s or SRI’s site for the exact window.
Auction Location	In person at 220 North Main Street, Kokomo, IN (Howard County Administration building).
Redemption Period	One year for treasurer’s tax sales; 120 days when sold to certain agencies.
Interest Rate	10 % of the minimum bid if redeemed within six months; 15 % if redeemed between six months and one year plus 5 % per year on the overbid.
Bid Procedure	Bidding starts at delinquent taxes. Highest bid wins the certificate. The overbid earns 5 % annual interest.
Deposit	No pre‑auction deposit. Full payment is due immediately after the sale.

Fun Facts About the County

• Automotive heritage – Kokomo is called the “City of Firsts” because of many automotive innovations, such as the first gasoline‑powered car built by Elwood Haynes. The Haynes Apperson Festival each summer celebrates this history.
• Oldest glass factory – The Kokomo Opalescent Glass Works, founded in 1888, is the oldest art‑glass factory in the United States and still operates today.
• Manufacturing hub – Howard County has long been a major player in the transportation equipment industry. Its economy is dominated by automotive manufacturing, electronic circuitry, steel alloys and transmissions. Companies like Chrysler and Delphi maintain large facilities in Kokomo.
• Early settlements – In 1840 about 700 Miami Indians lived in Indiana and roughly 200 resided in what is now Howard County. Cassville and Greentown were early Miami villages along the Wildcat and Deer Creek.
• Population and size – The county has roughly 82 000 residents and covers 293 square miles.

Attractions & Economic Highlights

• Museums and landmarks – Visitors can tour the Seiberling Mansion, the Elwood Haynes Museum and the Howard County Historical Society. Highland Park and the Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum also draw crowds.
• Transportation – Major highways include US‑31, US‑35, IN‑22, IN‑19, IN‑26 and IN‑931. These roads link the county to Indianapolis and northern Indiana, making travel easy.
• Economy – Manufacturing remains the largest sector, with 33 % of jobs in 2008. Health care and social services make up 9 %, while retail, accommodation and food services account for 23 %. Kokomo’s mix of blue‑collar pride and high‑tech industry provides economic diversity.
• Community – Festivals like the Haynes Apperson Festival and outdoor activities in Highland Park foster a strong community spirit. The county offers family‑friendly amenities and an affordable cost of living.

Why This County is Ideal for Tax Lien Investors

• Strong demand for housing – With over 80 000 residents and stable employment, there is steady demand for residential and rental properties.
• High returns with low risk – Indiana’s tax lien system offers 10 % to 15 % returns on the minimum bid plus 5 % annual interest on the overbid. Investors can earn these rates even if the owner redeems the property, making the investment less risky than speculative real estate.
• Strategic location – Located on major highways like US‑31 and near Indianapolis, the county attracts businesses and workers. This growth supports property values and potential resale opportunities.
• Automotive industry anchor – The county’s manufacturing base, led by Chrysler and Delphi, provides jobs and economic stability. Steady employment reduces default risk.
• Investor‑friendly process – Registration is simple through SRIservices.com with no deposit, and the county conducts only one sale per year, allowing investors to plan ahead.

Auction Process for Tax Lien Sales

Howard County holds one tax lien auction each year, usually in October. The sale is conducted in person at the county administration building in Kokomo. Registration is mandatory and is handled online through SRIservices.com. There is no pre‑auction deposit, but winning bidders must pay the full purchase price immediately after the sale. Bidding starts at the amount of delinquent taxes and costs, and the highest bidder receives the tax sale certificate. Interest accrues on the minimum bid and overbid according to Indiana law. Below is a step‑by‑step look at how the auction works.

How the Auction Works

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns on Howard County Tax Lien Certificates

Indiana tax lien certificates can yield attractive returns. When a property owner redeems within six months, the investor earns 10 % of the minimum bid. If the owner redeems between six months and one year, the return increases to 15 %. Interest on any overbid accrues at 5 % per year until redemption. These rates are set by state law and are not bid down during the auction. Compared with typical savings accounts or bonds, these returns are high and backed by the property itself. If the owner fails to redeem, the investor may eventually acquire the property, which could yield even larger gains. However, returns depend on factors such as the size of the overbid, property condition and local market demand. Conservative investors often keep overbids small to maximize effective yield.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

Howard County’s tax lien sale is open to anyone who can legally purchase property in the United States. Indiana law does not restrict the nationality of bidders. Foreign investors may bid in person or appoint an agent. Registration through SRIservices.com requires basic identification and contact information. There is no deposit requirement, making entry easier for smaller investors. International participation has grown in recent years as investors worldwide seek high‑yield, secured opportunities. Foreign bidders should consult legal and tax professionals about U.S. tax reporting and foreign exchange considerations. They may also need to arrange for local representation to handle payments and court filings. Overall, Howard County welcomes domestic and international investors to participate in its annual tax lien auction.

Importance of Due Diligence in Howard County Tax Lien Investing

Buying tax lien certificates can be profitable, but success depends on thorough research. Investors should analyze each property’s condition, title status and market value before bidding. Skipping due diligence can lead to costly surprises, such as environmental issues or heavy repairs. The county does not guarantee property condition or title, so careful vetting protects your investment.

What Due Diligence Entails

• Property inspection – Drive by the property to assess its condition. Look for structural issues, vacancy or occupancy and neighborhood characteristics.
• Title search – Check for additional liens, mortgages or judgments that might affect your ability to obtain clear title.
• Market analysis – Estimate the property’s fair market value. Compare similar sales and rental rates to determine whether the property is worth the bid.
• Zoning and code review – Ensure the property complies with local zoning and building codes. Violations could require costly remediation.
• Redemption research – Review the redemption period and any special rules. Indiana law generally allows one year, but certain sales may have only 120 days.

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

• Hidden liens – Unpaid mortgages, federal tax liens or code enforcement liens may survive the tax sale and become your responsibility.
• Poor property condition – Structural damage, contamination or demolition orders could make the property worthless or expensive to fix.
• Low resale value – If you overbid on a property in a declining neighborhood, the eventual sale price may not cover your costs.
• Legal challenges – Failure to provide proper notice during the redemption period could allow the former owner to challenge the sale and delay or void your deed.

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Liens in Howard County

Some tax liens remain unsold at the annual auction. These certificates may be offered later at a Commissioners’ sale or “over‑the‑counter” sale. The county sets a minimum price, often lower than the original taxes owed, and sells them to the first qualified buyer. Investors interested in OTC purchases should check the county’s website or contact the treasurer’s office for availability. The redemption period for these sales may be shorter, often 120 days. OTC purchases can be attractive because there is no bidding competition and returns are fixed by law. However, many properties left over may have issues, so due diligence is just as important.

How to Purchase OTC Liens

1. Review the list – Obtain the list of unsold certificates from the county treasurer or SRIservices.com.
2. Submit an application – Complete any required forms and provide identification.
3. Pay the amount – Pay the price set by the county. No auction means you know the cost up front.
4. Receive certificate – The county issues a tax sale certificate. The redemption period begins once the sale is complete.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No bidding competition – You pay the fixed price set by the county, avoiding bidding wars.
• Fixed returns – Interest rates are the same as at the auction (10 % to 15 % plus 5 % on overbid, if any). Since there is usually no overbid on OTC sales, the effective yield can be high.
• Faster deed – Many OTC properties have a shorter redemption period (120 days), allowing investors to obtain a deed sooner if the owner does not redeem.

Why Howard County is a Top Choice for Tax Lien Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

• Stable manufacturing base – Automotive and advanced manufacturing anchor the local economy. Consistent employment reduces risk of mass delinquencies.
• High wages – Howard County ranks high nationally for average wage per manufacturing job. Higher wages support property values and tax payments.
• Strategic location – Proximity to major highways (US‑31, US‑35 and State Road 931) connects the county to regional markets.
• Low entry barriers – No registration deposit and simple online registration make participation easy.
• Legal safeguards – The redemption process ensures investors receive interest even if the owner redeems.

Real Estate Market Overview

• Affordable housing – The median property value is modest compared with national averages, so buying liens requires less capital.
• Steady demand – Population around 82 000 and regional job growth keep housing demand steady.
• Rental market – The presence of major employers and a university campus provides consistent rental demand.

Conclusion

Howard County’s tax lien auction offers investors an opportunity to earn high, state‑mandated returns backed by real estate. The county’s stable economy, rich automotive heritage and strategic location make it an appealing market. Auctions occur once each year, typically in October, and registration is straightforward with no deposit. Investors should perform thorough due diligence by inspecting properties, running title searches and evaluating local market conditions. The redemption period generally lasts one year, during which investors earn 10 % to 15 % returns on the minimum bid plus 5 % annual interest on any overbid. If the property is not redeemed, investors can petition for a tax deed and potentially acquire the property at a fraction of its value. These factors combine to create a compelling, low‑risk investment opportunity for both local and international buyers.

Pro Tips

• Research every parcel – Don’t let the high returns tempt you into bidding blindly. Visit the site, talk to neighbors and check public records.
• Keep bids reasonable – Overbids lower your effective yield because the minimum bid earns the 10 % or 15 % return, while the overbid only earns 5 %.
• Prepare funds – Bring certified funds or approved payment methods. Payment is due immediately after winning a bid.
• Monitor redemption deadlines – Mark the one‑year or 120‑day redemption deadline on your calendar. File notices and petitions on time to protect your investment.
• Stay informed – Check SRIservices.com and the county’s website for updated lists and auction dates. Sign up for alerts so you don’t miss registration windows.

FAQs for Howard County Tax Liens

Need a Hand?

Need help navigating the Howard County tax lien auction? We offer guidance on every step, from understanding the rules to researching properties. Use the resources above or book a call with us to discuss strategies and pitfalls. Explore our free resources, or check our auction calendar. With the right support, you can make informed, confident investments.

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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