Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land has announced that tax-delinquent parcels in Jefferson County will be auctioned on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, located at 1 Convention Center Plaza.
The regional auction begins at 10 a.m., with bidder registration starting at 9 a.m.
“Regional auctions have been a popular and efficient adaptation,” Land said. “Bidders can be at the sales for multiple counties at a single event.”
Auctions are conducted alphabetically by county. Prospective bidders can review the Public Auction Catalog on the Commissioner’s website, which lists the date, time, and location of each sale as well as a complete listing of parcels offered. The website also includes a buyer’s guide, relevant statutes, and a video tutorial showing how to research each parcel.
Since 2023, the redemption period for tax-delinquent parcels has ended at 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,” Land said. Parcels sold at auction cannot be redeemed. “Auction sales are final,” he added.
Bidders must register prior to placing a bid and present a federal or state-issued ID from within the U.S. Purchases must be paid in full at the auction site by check, debit card, or credit card — cash is not accepted.
Bidding starts at the amount of taxes, penalties, and interest owed on a parcel. The 2024 taxes, which are not yet delinquent, must be paid by the winning bidder to the county tax collector by Oct. 15.
“Property taxes help fund schools, roads, libraries, and public services including ambulances,” Land said. “Everyone benefits from paying those taxes. Property owners can avoid penalties and interest by paying before the Oct. 15 deadline each year.”
Properties that do not sell at auction will be listed on the post-auction sales list 30 days later and may then be purchased through an online auction system. Another instructional video on the website explains that process.
Owners of delinquent parcels may redeem their property online at www.cosl.org using a debit or credit card. Those wishing to pay by check or money order can print a Petition to Redeem from the website or call 501-324-9422 to request one.
Delinquent parcels redeemed within 30 days of an auction must be paid using certified funds or cash in person at the Commissioner of State Lands office, located at 7003 Valley Ranch Drive in Little Rock. Cash is accepted only for in-person redemptions at this location.
