The 16% Solution: How to Get High Interest Rates in a Low-Interest World with Tax Lien Certificates, Revised Edition

Moskowitz explains what tax lien certificates are (liens against property for unpaid taxes), why they are safe (certain states insure them), and how they fit into an overall financial plan. This new edition includes updates to the laws and procedures of states and counties that offer tax lien certificates.

* The 16% Solution has been updated to reflect current legal requirements and information.

* Seen as a great investment solution: "If you become a buyer of tax liens, we recommend reading The 16% Solution by Joel Moskowitz. It's a worthwhile investment." --Ken and Daria Dolan, Straight Talk on Your Money.

True it was written back in the 90's, but things really haven't changed all that much. And yes it is true that institutions are in on tax liens, but the real truth is that these were and are and always have been the primary players. I suspect the negative reviews are from banks and other institutions who do not want you to know about these outstanding investments.

The rate of return is not cut in stone. While you are not guaranteed 16%, in some states and in many cases you can earn 50%...even today.

I invest in tax liens and especially over the last three years, have far outperformed the stock market and other forms of investment. I have also picked up houses for pennies on the dollar via tax liens. Remember, a tax lien is superior to all other liens, even IRS liens.

As I said, I invest in tax liens and the USA is a huge market place. I don't feel that letting you know what a great investment tax liens are is going to hurt my business. And no, I do not have any courses or books to sell. Nor am I in any way associated with this author or any other author or seminar promoter. I just believe in these investments based on my own experience and hate to see potential investors scared away from a very powerful and lucrative investment because of one malcontent who is only trying to push a dead website which does have books and seminars to sell.

I guess I am old fashioned that way.

The 16% Solution is an outstanding book and I highly recommend it.


Put a little TLC (Tax Lien Certificates) in your portfolio.   May 5, 2002
nick mentzer (Charlotte, N.C.)
217 out of 225 found this review helpful

Tax liens are the safest, highest yielding investment available today. In North Carolina, where I live, tax liens pay 12%. Better than CDs and better than losing money in the stock market. In Iowa, tax liens pay 24%. In Texas and Michigan, 50%.... First, tax liens are available in N.C. AND THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN MOST STATES, NOT JUST 25. Perhaps he is confusing deed states with mortgage states. Tax liens are among the safest of investments. The only real risk is if the debtor pays off the lien prematurely---you lose profits. Or if you buy a lien on a really bad piece of property. If the debtor doesn' pay off the lien, you get the home and foreclosing is not all difficult.... I highly recommend the 16% Solution and of course investing in tax liens. Obviously. Great money maker along with real estate and discounted mortgages.


Tax Liens Are The Way To Go   April 3, 2001
Todd Sumrall (Milton, FL United States)
199 out of 207 found this review helpful

I didn't know anything about tax liens prior to reading the book. The very thought of buying someone elses debt didn't make any sense to me prior to reading this book. I learned that tax liens are backed by real property and is a government run program. You will get paid or get the property at well below market value period! The best part is the government handles it all for you so you do not have to deal with the property owners yourself. You can't get a safer investment than this. I live in a state that pays 18% interest on tax liens and that is what credit cards charge!

I was able to read the book in one day and go out and buy tax liens the next day. That is how clearly the author explains the process. If you are looking for a high return investment that is safe and does not bounce up and down like the stock market, then tax liens are the way to go. A must read for anyone who is interested in investing.


Much easier than I expected   June 25, 2002
Sal Rivera (Southbend, Indiana)
135 out of 140 found this review helpful

This book explains tax liens in such clarity that I was able to go out and buy several tax liens the very next day.

And who says you have to be restricted to your home state? You can go to Iowa, Michigan or vaction spots like Arizona, Texas and Florida, bid on a tax lien and now your vacation becomes tax deductible while earning a high yield government guaranted!

Or you can bid by mail.

Unlike stocks, your investment is guaranteed and you may even get a nice property for 1/10 of the normal price.

Get this book and start buying tax liens.


Some pretty bored (and misinformed) people here.   May 30, 2003
107 out of 110 found this review helpful

I find it fascinating at the number of ridiculous reviews with absolutely inaccurate information of the tax lien process posted here.

Beware of people trying to cheat you of the powerful returns offered by tax liens.

Read the book and do some research yourself. Start with your local courthouse. DON'T run an ad asking for help from other TLC investors, like the 1 star bashers, they prefer you think this investment doesn't exist or isn't profitable. They definitely DON'T want competition.

TLC's are among the safest, most powerful investments around. Start with this book and invest for profit.