Q: What kind of sales do you hold?
A: We conduct public auctions of lands that were forfeited to the state for non-payment of real property taxes. They are held once a year in the county where the property is located or in a contiguous county.
Q: How do I know which properties will be available for sale?
A: The Commissioner of State Lands publishes a legal notice in the county newspaper prior to the sale. Parcel information for upcoming the auctions is also available on the COSL website, www.cosl.org, under Public Auction Catalog. This information is updated daily.
Q: How can I get more information on a particular piece of property (e.g. location, structures, etc.)?
A: You should contact the county assessor.
Q: Who is entitled to redeem property from the Commissioner of State Lands office?
A: Anyone may redeem property. Redemption does not change ownership; it simply makes the taxes current.
Q: What kind of title do I get if I purchase land at one of the auctions?
A: The state executes a Limited Warranty Deed, which conveys whatever interest the state has in the property to the purchaser.
Q: When will I receive my Limited Warranty Deed?
A: Deeds cannot be issued until after all checks have cleared.
Q: How does a successful bidder pay for the property?
A: The full purchase price must be paid the day of the auction. Payment may be made by personal check, cashier’s check or money order, or credit/debit card if WiFi service is available at the auction location. Cash is not accepted for parcels sold through the Commissioner of State Lands Office.
Q: Should I make improvements to property I purchase at tax sales?
A: It is recommended that no significant improvements be made to the property prior to the expiration of the 90 day litigation period.
Q: What happens if the sale is set aside, or the Commissioner or judge declares the deed void?
A: In the event a sale or deed is canceled by the Commissioner or a judge, the purchaser is entitled to a full refund (no interest accruing) of all monies paid to the state for the purchase of the property. Credit card fees are not refundable. In addition, all taxes, penalties, interest and costs due on the property must be paid by the party challenging the tax sale or deed.
Q: Can I redeem or purchase delinquent mineral rights from the Commissioner of State Lands office?
A: Tax delinquent mineral interests may be redeemed at any time. In some limited situations, the mineral rights may be purchased from the Commissioner of State Lands.
Q: What happens to property that is offered for sale at public auction, but does not sell?
These parcels will be available after 30 days through the Post Auction Sales list. Prospective buyers may bid on these parcels through the online auction available on this website auction.cosl.org
Q: Will I be responsible for delinquent special improvement district fees assessed against the property?
A: Probably yes. All potential purchasers should research the property records maintained by the county tax assessor, tax collector and circuit clerk in order to determine if additional fees are owed on the property.
Q: How long does a parcel’s owner have to redeem the delinquent taxes?
A: Anyone may redeem the parcel at any time after it is certified to the Commissioner of State Lands, until 4 p.m. the last business day prior to the sale date. Sales are final. Parcels cannot be redeemed on the sale date or thereafter.
Q: Can a parcel be redeemed with cash?
A: Yes, cash is accepted for redemptions only, in our office at 1020 W. Fourth Street in Little Rock. Please do not mail cash. Parcels must be redeemed no later than 4 p.m. the last business day prior to the sale date. This means we must have the full redemption payment and petition to redeem in hand at that time. Postmarks are not accepted. Redemptions made in the last 30 days before the sale date must be paid in certified funds, such as cash, cashier’s check or money order, or they can be redeemed online.