NTLA University

Learn Tax Lien and Deed Investing from the National Tax Lien Association (NTLA)

Straightforward, practical education on tax liens and tax deeds from the National Tax Lien Association. We teach how the process really works, including the risks, the rules, and the due diligence it takes to do it right.

New: the Tax Deed Master Class is now open for enrollment. See the course →

Master Class Courses

Two self-paced courses, each covering one side of the tax sale market from start to finish.

NEWMASTER CLASS

Tax Deed Investing

12 modules+ bonus interactive due diligence module+ final exam$1,499 · $999 for NTLA MembersSelf-paced1-year access
  • How tax deed sales work, how they differ from tax liens, and why counties hold them
  • Due diligence before you bid: property filters, valuation, environmental and zoning risks, and title research
  • Auction formats (live, online and hybrid), registration, disciplined bidding and post-auction steps
  • Redemption periods, deed recording and taking possession, with examples from Florida, Texas, Georgia and Arizona
  • Quiet title actions and other ways to clear title before resale
  • Exit strategies, financing, and the legal and antitrust rules that apply to tax deed investors
Explore This Course
MASTER CLASS

Tax Lien Investing and Servicing

12 modules+ final exam$1,499 · $999 for NTLA MembersSelf-paced1-year access
  • Due diligence and risk management
  • Auction terms: bid floors, bid ceilings, premium bidding
  • Foreclosure processes: judicial and administrative
  • Property considerations: easements, plat maps, market value, homestead exemptions
  • Lien priority, subsequent taxes, and assignment purchases
  • Key financial concepts: arbitrage, liquidity, redemption curves, securitization
Explore This Course
House with a for sale sign in the front yard
The Basics

Tax Liens and Tax Deeds: What's the Difference?

When property taxes go unpaid, local governments recover that revenue through tax sales. Depending on the state, those sales take one of two main forms.

Tax Lien Sales

The investor pays the delinquent taxes and receives a lien on the property. The owner can redeem by repaying the amount plus interest or penalties set by state law. The investor holds a lien, not the property.

Tax Deed Sales

The property itself is sold at auction to recover the unpaid taxes. The winning bidder receives a deed, along with the responsibilities that come with owning real estate, such as title work, possession and upkeep.

Our Approach

Honest Education, Not a Sales Pitch

Tax sales can be a legitimate part of an investment strategy, but they are not a shortcut to wealth. Our courses are built by the industry's trade association to help you understand the market as it is, so you can decide whether it's right for you.

Read About Our Approach

What you'll get

  • Clear explanations of how tax sales work and how rules differ by state
  • Real risks, costs and pitfalls, explained up front
  • Due diligence practices used by experienced professionals

What we won't do

  • Promise guaranteed returns or "financial freedom"
  • Pressure you with countdown timers or upsells
  • Pretend every property or lien is a good deal

Why Learn With NTLA University

1

From the Industry Association

Content from the National Tax Lien Association, the trade group for tax sale professionals.

2

Self-Paced Online

Work through each module in order, on your schedule, and come back anytime.

3

Monthly Live Webinars

Students and members can join NTLA's monthly webinars for ongoing learning.

4

Real People to Ask

Questions? Reach our team directly by phone or email.

Brad Westover, NTLA University instructor
Your Instructor

Brad Westover

Brad Westover is a nationally recognized speaker and expert on tax lien and tax deed investing. He began his career in tax sale investing in 1995 and has invested over $1.5 billion across 25 states.

Brad is passionate about helping others develop their own tax sale investing strategy while avoiding common pitfalls. That passion led him to create NTLA University and to travel the country delivering its two-day training program.

What Our Students Say

“Simply the best most reliable and accurate tax sale education. After completing the course I knew I wanted to do this for a living.”

T. Doman

“The only reputable, honest, fair, and comprehensive organization to share information regarding the tax lien industry.”

B. Bronster

“The NTLA is a great resource for anyone in the tax lien space or for those interested in learning more about tax liens and state by state statutes and practices. NTLA University offered great education about the process of tax lien sales nationwide.”

L. McNellis

“If you are looking for quality tax lien education, be sure to enlist in NTLA University. This is an incredible program for all investors looking to up their game!”

R. Seidensticker

“NTLA has been pivotal in our business, especially in todays atmosphere with so many states changing their sale process. Just knowing who to call and ask would be nearly impossible without NTLA!”

B. Seidensticker

“The NTLA has been an amazing group in terms of growing my business and creating relationships that have helped us to grow. The tax sale space is changing rapidly and we are able to respond to those changes via our membership in the NTLA.”

S. Seal

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers before you enroll.

Which course should I take first?

If you're new to tax sales or interested in tax lien certificates, start with the Tax Lien Investing and Servicing Master Class. If you're focused on buying property at tax deed auctions, start with the Tax Deed Master Class.

Do I need prior investing experience?

No. Both courses start with the fundamentals and build from there.

Will this course guarantee I make money?

No. Tax sale investing carries real risk, and results depend on the market, the property and your own due diligence. Our goal is to help you understand that risk clearly.

How long do I have access?

You have access to a course for one year from the date of purchase, so you can work through it at your own pace and revisit lessons.

Start Learning With NTLA University

Choose the course that fits the market you're interested in.

View registration options →

Questions? Call (561) 449-2484 or email info@ntla.org

Course access is valid for one year from the date of purchase. All course sales are final.