The Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands, Tommy Land, announced that his office will auction tax-delinquent properties in Independence, Jackson, White, and Woodruff counties on Sept. 17. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. at the Downtown Church of Christ, 900 N. Main St. in Searcy, and registration for bidders will start at 9 a.m.
“Regional auctions proved popular among our buyers last year, and we are continuing that process this year,” Land said. “This allows bidders to attend the auction for multiple counties with the convenience of a single event.”
Auctions are conducted alphabetically by county. Prospective bidders can find the Public Auction Catalog on the Commissioner’s website at www.cosl.org. The catalog includes auction date, time, and locations and a complete listing of parcels offered. Bidders should review the buyer’s guide and statutes governing sales before coming to auctions.
The website also includes an instructional video demonstrating how to research information about each parcel available for sale.
“We are reminding owners of tax-delinquent parcels that the redemption period changed in 2023,” Land said. “Parcels must be redeemed by 4 p.m. on the last business day before the sale date. We must receive the petition to redeem and the payment by that time.”
Auction sales are final, he emphasized.
“Parcels sold at auction cannot be redeemed.”
Bidders must register for the auction before placing a bid. Purchases may be paid for with a business or personal check, or a credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted for purchase of tax-delinquent parcels.
“Property taxes help fund schools, roads, libraries and public services including ambulances,” Land said. “Everyone benefits from paying those taxes — and the property owner benefits from paying on time, by avoiding interest and penalties on delinquent taxes.”
Properties that do not sell at auction will appear on the COSL’s post-auction sales list 30 days after the auction date. From there, they can be purchased through an online auction system. Another instructional video on the COSL website demonstrates that process to bidders.
Owners of delinquent parcels may redeem those delinquent taxes online at www.cosl.org using a credit or debit card. Those who prefer to pay by check or money order can print a Petition to Redeem from the website or call the office at (501) 324-9422 to request the petition, which must accompany their payment.
Owners seeking to redeem within 30 days before an auction must use certified funds or may redeem with cash in our office at 1020 W. 4th Street in Little Rock. Cash is only accepted for redemption, and only for in-person payments at 1020 W. 4th Street.
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