COSL announces regional tax auction results
The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Howard, Montgomery, Pike, Polk and Sevier Counties raised over $215 thousand dollars, the Commissioner of State Lands announced.
The regional auction drew 60 registered bidders, who purchased 29 of 29 parcels for $215,938.92.
Results were as follows:
- Howard County: 3 parcels offered; 3 parcels sold; $18,400.00 total; $2,263.23 taxes collected
- Montgomery County: 3 parcels offered; 3 parcels sold; $37,500.00 total; $1,375.23 taxes collected
- Pike County: 3 parcels offered; 3 parcels sold; $39,000.00 total; $2,263.23 taxes collected
- Polk County: 15 parcels offered; 15 parcels sold; $110,800.00 total; $7,192.46 taxes collected
- Sevier County: 5 parcels offered; 5 parcels sold; $10,238.92 total; $2,250.44 taxes collected
The auctions offered real estate parcels with taxes delinquent since 2019.
“We only auction a fraction of the parcels certified for delinquent taxes,” Commissioner Tommy Land said. “By far, most owners redeem their property by paying the delinquent taxes. Naturally 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 COSL office forwards taxes and interest to the county, whether that money is collected through redemption or sale.
“Last year, the Commissioner of State Lands Office sent more than $21 million to school districts and county governments,” Land said. “Of that, $281,882.76 went to these five counties, helping fund everything from roads to schools.”
Those turnback amounts were:
- Howard County: $48,473.55.
- Montgomery County: $34,054.12.
- Pike County: $22,583.37.
- Polk County: $76,384.66.
- Sevier County: $100,387.06.
Auction sales are final. Unsold parcels may be redeemed online at www.cosl.org, using a credit or debit card, or owners can call 501-324-9422 to request a Petition to Redeem. Redemption does not grant ownership; it simply makes the taxes current.
Parcels that did not sell at the public auction will be available after 30 days and can be purchased through an online auction by viewing the Post-Auction Sales List at www.cosl.org.
