Tax lien certificates are often in place by a county, after property owners fail to make payment on their property taxes. These certificates often are for sale at public auctions by the county. The process of issuing the lien and selling the property will take between six months and a year or more to be proceed. Throughout this timeframe, the property owner is able to make payment on the taxes owed, plus any late fees or penalties, to stop the process of selling the property. If the property taxes are not paid, the property will sell at a tax lien auction sale. Investors may bid on the certificates. The winning bidder will pay the cost of the tax owed. If the property owner pays off the debt, the investor receives the investment plus interest. If the owner fails to make payment on the debt, the investor may receive the property in total, which may amount to paying only the taxes, penalties and the interest due.