Boone County sits in central Missouri. It was formed in 1820 and named for frontiersman Daniel Boone. The seat is Columbia, home to the University of Missouri and other colleges. This guide explains how Boone County conducts its tax lien certificate sale and why investors follow these sales. You will learn the sale date, bidding rules, redemption period, and more. Because state law regulates tax sales, this article also highlights how the Missouri process works so you can confidently take part in future auctions.

Brief Overview of Boone County’s Tax Lien Investing

Boone County, Missouri, uses tax lien certificates rather than tax deeds. When owners fail to pay property taxes for three years, the county sells a lien against the property. Investors buy the certificate at a public auction, effectively paying the unpaid taxes and receiving a lien on the property. The successful bidder receives a certificate of purchase but does not gain possession of the land. The original owner can redeem the property within one year by paying the bid amount plus interest. If the property is not redeemed during that period, the certificate holder may apply for a collector’s deed and acquire title.

Important Details

Item	Description	Notes
Tax Sale Type	Tax lien certificate	Investors buy liens, not property
Typical Sale Date	Fourth Monday in August	Auction begins at 10 a.m.
Redemption Period	One year	The owner can redeem until the deed is issued
Interest Rate	10 % on the sale amount; 8 % on later taxes	Rates set by statute
Bid Procedure	Bidding starts at taxes, penalties, and costs	Highest bid wins; must pay immediately
Deposit	No deposit required	Payment is due at the close of the sale

Fun Facts About the County

• Central location – Boone County lies halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City. Interstate 70 crosses the county, making it a hub for commerce and travel.
• Education hub – The University of Missouri in Columbia is the county’s largest employer; nearly 12,000 people work there. The county also hosts Stephens College and Columbia College.
• Diverse economy – Beyond education, the area’s economy includes healthcare, government, and manufacturing. Major employers include Veterans United Home Loans and University Hospital.
• Rich history – The county was organized in 1820 and named after Daniel Boone. Columbia became the county seat in 1821 and remains the region’s cultural center.

Attractions & Economic Highlights

• Parks and trails – Rock Bridge Memorial State Park offers cave tours and hiking. The county also features the Katy Trail, a cross‑state biking path.
• Festivals and arts – Events like the True/False Film Fest, Treeline Music Fest, and Unbound Book Festival draw visitors from around the world.
• Transportation – Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 63 pass through the county. Columbia Regional Airport connects residents to Dallas and Chicago.
• Economy – Education, healthcare, and insurance companies anchor the economy. Manufacturing and research add diversity to local job opportunities.

Why This County Is Ideal for Tax Lien Investors

• Stable market – A diverse economy led by education and healthcare provides stability. Properties hold their value because jobs are steady.
• High returns, low risk – Missouri offers 10 % interest on the tax lien amount plus 8 % on subsequent taxes. Investors earn a fixed return backed by law.
• Accessible auction – Boone County posts property lists online three weeks before the sale. The in‑person auction is straightforward and open to residents who register correctly.
• Redeemable system – Because owners have a one‑year redemption period, investors have a low risk of owning distressed property while earning interest.

Auction Process for Tax Lien Sales

Boone County’s tax lien sale takes place every year on the fourth Monday in August at 10 a.m. Central Time. Bidders must be present in the County Commission Chambers at the Roger B. Wilson Government Center in Columbia. Pre‑registration begins at 9 a.m. the day of the sale. Participants sign an affidavit affirming they are not delinquent on any Missouri property taxes and must show identification. Out‑of‑state or corporate bidders should contact the collector’s office ahead of time.

How the Auction Works

Maximum Potential and Expected Returns on Boone County Tax Lien Certificates

Missouri sets a fixed 10 % annual interest on the amount paid at the tax sale and 8 % annual interest on subsequent taxes. Investors earn these rates during the redemption period. Returns depend on how quickly the owner redeems; if redemption occurs soon after the sale, the effective yield is lower because interest accrues daily. If the owner waits until the end of the redemption period, investors capture nearly the full 10 % plus reimbursement of subsequent taxes with 8 % interest. Unlike many states, Missouri does not bid down the interest rate. Investors may bid a premium above the delinquent taxes; however, interest is calculated only on the base tax amount, so overbids reduce yield. Careful bidding helps secure strong returns while minimizing excess premium.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

Boone County welcomes both local and out‑of‑state investors, but Missouri law imposes restrictions. Non‑residents of Missouri may not bid unless they make special arrangements with the county collector before the sale. Corporate bidders and individuals from other states can participate by contacting the collector’s office in advance and completing the required documentation. During the auction, every bidder must sign an affidavit confirming they are not delinquent on property taxes. The certificate of purchase may be assigned to another party, but the assignee must be a Missouri resident and cannot owe delinquent taxes. These rules ensure fairness while still allowing a broad range of investors to benefit from Missouri’s tax lien opportunities.

Importance of Due Diligence in Boone County Tax Lien Investing

Performing careful research before bidding protects your investment. Each tax lien certificate represents a claim on real property, so it is essential to know what you are buying. Investors should verify the property’s condition, location, and market value to avoid unbuildable lots or landlocked parcels.

What Due Diligence Entails

• Property inspection – Visit the property or review aerial images to assess structures and land.
• Title search – Search public records for mortgages, liens, or judgments that remain even after a tax sale.
• Zoning and restrictions – Check zoning codes, easements, and homeowners’ association rules.
• Redemption status – Confirm that taxes are at least three years delinquent and that the parcel is still eligible for sale.

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

• Hidden liens – Federal tax liens or special assessments may survive the sale, reducing the property’s value.
• Unbuildable land – Some parcels may be small strips, flood‑prone, or landlocked.
• Excess premium – Overbidding reduces your yield because interest is paid only on the base tax amount.
• Legal hurdles – Obtaining a collector’s deed requires strict notice and title search steps. Missing deadlines can cause loss of your investment.

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

Properties that receive no bids after three years at auction enter a “post‑third offering” sale. Boone County offers these liens through sealed bids rather than a live auction. The collector advertises the parcels 30 days before the bidding period. Bidders must register within 10 business days before bidding opens and sign a notarized affidavit. After registration, investors have 10 business days to submit sealed bids. The collector opens bids during a commission meeting, awards the highest bid, and notifies the winner. Payment must be received within five business days. There is no redemption period after a third offering; the winning bidder receives a deed once payment and recording fees are paid. This over‑the‑counter process allows investors to purchase liens or deeds on unsold properties without competing in a live auction.

Why Boone County Is a Top Choice for Tax Lien Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

• Diverse economy – Education, healthcare, government, and manufacturing provide stable employment. The presence of multiple universities means a steady renter and homeowner base.
• Affordable properties – Boone County’s median property values remain moderate compared with coastal markets, making entry costs lower.
• Predictable returns – Missouri’s fixed 10 % interest rate on tax liens offers predictable earnings.
• Strategic location – The county lies along Interstate 70, providing access to markets in St. Louis and Kansas City.

Real Estate Market Overview

• Growing population – The county’s population is roughly 182,000 and continues to grow due to education and healthcare jobs.
• Strong rental demand – Student housing and medical professionals support rental demand near Columbia’s campuses.
• Steady appreciation – Real estate values have trended upward, yet remain accessible for investors.

Conclusion

Boone County offers a clear and investor‑friendly tax lien system. The annual sale occurs on the fourth Monday in August at 10 a.m. and follows straightforward rules for bidding and payment. Investors earn fixed interest rates and have the potential to acquire property if owners fail to redeem. A diverse economy anchored by education and healthcare contributes to stable property values. By performing due diligence and following the county’s procedures, investors can enjoy high returns with relatively low risk. Whether you prefer the excitement of the live auction or the sealed‑bid process for unsold parcels, Boone County provides opportunities for both novice and experienced tax lien investors.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early – Registration starts at 9 a.m. on sale day. Arriving early helps you complete paperwork and ask questions.
• Bring certified funds – Payment is due immediately; plan to use cashier’s checks or money orders.
• Research each parcel – Evaluate location, zoning, and liens to avoid unwanted surprises.
• Set a maximum bid – Interest is paid only on the base tax amount; avoid overbidding.
• Stay informed – Check the county website for updated property lists and post‑third offering sales.

FAQs for Boone County Tax Liens

Useful Links

• Boone County Collector’s Tax Sale Page
• Notice of Tax Certificate Sale
• Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 140
• Boone County Post‑Third Offering Details

Need a Hand?

If you would like guidance with Boone County tax lien investing, expert help is available. You can learn more about Missouri tax sales, explore our free resources, or book a call with us to discuss strategies and review the upcoming auction calendar dates. Whether you need help researching parcels or understanding the redemption process, we can walk you through due diligence, bidding strategies, and post‑auction steps so you invest with confidence.

Sign up or log in to view the full content.

Free help available

Get a Tax Deed in the next 30 days

Need a hand on your first deal at up to 90% off? Book a free call and we’ll guide you step by step.

Auction
Calendar Book a free
call Free
resources

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