Arkansas, like Alaska, is a true deed state where the deed to the property is sold and there is no interest rate or penalty. There is, however a very short (30 day) redemption period in which the owner can redeem the property. They must pay the taxes with interest and penalties to redeem, but the deed purchaser only gets a full refund with no interest or penalties.



In Arkansas, tax sales are handled by the state, not by local government. Real estate that is delinquent for one year is certified to the Arkansas State Land Commissioners office for tax collection or to sell by auction. The highest bid wins the deed. Arkansas does allow bidding by mail; however, it is advantageous to be at the auction since bids received by mail are announced immediately preceding the oral auction of the parcel.



The following information was gleaned from the Commissioner of State Lands’ website, http://www.cosl.org/default.htm



“Bids by mail must be received by the Commissioner of State Lands no later than seven days prior to the date of sale. Unsuccessful bidders will be refunded their bid in full. The minimum bid starts at the assessed value and does not include the amount due for taxes, interest and penalties. The successful bidder must tender the full purchase price (the amount bid plus the Tax Due amount as listed) at the time of the sale. Bids by mail must include the full purchase price (the amount bid plus the Tax Due amount as listed). At the auction or by mail, the first $100 of the full purchase price must be paid in cash, by money order or cashier's check with the balance payable by personal check. No deed will be issued until the bank or lending institution on which such checks are drawn assures clearance. All cashier's checks, money orders, and personal checks should be made payable to the Commissioner of State Lands. No purchase may be made on a time-payment plan. Upon payment of the full purchase price, the successful bidder will receive a certificate of purchase from the Commissioner of State Lands. Record owners, their agents, or assigns have 30 days from the date of the sale to redeem the property. In the event of redemption, the purchaser at the sale will receive a full refund, no interest accruing. If no redemption occurs during the 30-day redemption period, the purchaser will receive a limited warranty deed from the Commissioner of State Lands subsequent to the redemption period expiration date.”



Although the redemption period is very short, as in most deed states, there is a one year period in which the previous owner can contest the sale (for minors, mental incompetents and those serving in the U.S. armed forces during war time this period can last much longer –two years after maturity, discharge of mental illness, or discharge of military duty). If the sale is found to be in error, the deed will be cancelled and the property reverts back to the original owner. The purchaser’s money (and expenses) will be refunded, but without any penalties or interest.

Summary courtesy of Joanne Musa's State Guide

If you need legal advice about local laws or to initiate a foreclosure process, contact the local attorney listed below. 

If you own a property attained through tax lien and/or deed investing, or need help evaluating a property, contact the realtor below.  He/she is experienced in dealing with tax lien & deed properties.

None listed and you need one, or would like to become our Local Realtor, learn more here, and then please contact us.

If you would like to invest in this Jurisdiction, but do not have the time to attend in person, contact our local investment liaison(s).  He/she is an experienced tax lien & deed investor and can help. (Note:  Tax Sale Resources does not partner with, or guarantee validity of agents credentials.  All arrangements must be made between you and the agent. Fees are determined by the individuals.)

None listed and you need one, or would like to become our Local Investing Liaison, learn more here, and then please contact us.