A recent regional auction of tax-delinquent properties brought in more than $261,000, with most of the proceeds coming from sales in Baxter County. According to the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands Office, the late August event offered 148 parcels in Baxter County, 62 of which sold for a total of $223,783. These sales collected $24,049 in overdue property taxes.
In Stone County, all four parcels available were sold, generating $37,791 and recovering $1,958 in delinquent taxes. Overall, the auction included 152 parcels across the region, with 73 registered bidders purchasing 66 properties for a collective $261,574. The properties involved had taxes overdue since 2021.
Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land stated that most property owners avoid auction by paying their delinquent taxes. "Most owners redeem their property by paying the delinquent taxes; we only auction a fraction of the parcels certified for delinquent taxes," Land explained. "Of course, we hope property is redeemed if the owners want to keep it, but it is vital that the parcels return to the county’s active tax rolls.”
The funds collected through the auction are redistributed to counties along with applicable interest. Last year, Baxter County received $228,196 in turnback funds, while Stone County received $52,203. Unsold parcels may still be reclaimed by their owners through the Commissioner of State Lands Office. Owners seeking to redeem their property can visit www.cosl.org or call 501-324-9422 to request a Petition to Redeem. After 30 days, any remaining unsold properties will become available for purchase through an online post-auction sale.