The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Carroll and surrounding counties raised over $283,000.00 the Commissioner of State Lands (COSL) announced. The regional auction drew 42 registered bidders, who purchased 91of 682 parcels for $283,901.33.
Results were: Carroll County: 678 parcels offered; 87 parcels sold; $251,301.33 total; $67,569.00 taxes collected. Madison County: 4 parcels offered; 4 parcels sold; $32,600.00 total; $2,453.53 taxes collected
The auctions offered real estate parcels with taxes delinquent since 2020.
“Most owners redeem their property by paying the delinquent taxes: we only auction a fraction of the parcels certified for delinquent taxes,” Commissioner Tommy Land said. “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 COSL office disburses 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 $18.7 million to school districts and county governments,” Land said. “Of that, $266,352.01 went to these two counties, helping fund everything from roads to schools.”
Those turnback amounts were Carroll County: $229,465.42, and Madison County: $36,886.59.
Auction sales are final.
Unsold parcels may be redeemed online at 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 cosl.org.