Greene County, Arkansas Tax Sale Guide 2025: Your Roadmap to Investing in Tax‑Delinquent Property

Greene County is tucked along the gently rolling hills of northeast Arkansas. As part of the state’s tax‑delinquent property program, parcels with unpaid real‑estate taxes are certified to the Commissioner of State Lands (COSL). The COSL holds public auctions so counties can return property to the tax rolls and fund schools, roads and public services. Although the process might seem complex at first, the state rules are clear: owners may redeem until 4 p.m. on the last business day before the auction, and auction sales are final. This article explains how Greene County conducts tax sales and why savvy investors should pay attention.

How Arkansas Tax Deed Sales Work

In Greene County, Arkansas, tax-delinquent properties are sold through the state’s tax deed system, not tax liens. Once parcels are certified to the Commissioner of State Lands, they are auctioned at regional sales typically held between July and October, with the 2025 Greene County auction set for September 16 at 10 a.m. at the Paragould Community Center.

Registration is required—on-site bidders sign in with a driver’s license about 30 minutes before the auction, while online post-auction bidders must create an account, verify their identity, and place a card on file. Minimum bids equal the delinquent taxes, penalties, and fees; bidding is oral, cash is not accepted, and full payment is due at the sale. Live auctions require no deposit, though online sales charge $100 immediately with the balance due in 10 days.

The redemption period ends at 4 p.m. the business day before the sale, after which no redemption is allowed, though a 90-day litigation period applies. Successful bidders receive a limited warranty deed, and often must file a quiet-title action to secure marketable title. Updates and parcel lists are available at cosl.org, while questions can be directed to the COSL at [email protected] or 501-324-9422, or locally to the Greene County Collector at 870-239-6300.

Summary of Important Details

Key aspect	Greene County / Arkansas tax sales (2025)
Tax sale type	Tax Deed – the state sells the real property and issues a limited‑warranty deed; there is no interest rate because buyers acquire the property itself.
Typical auction month	Late August or mid‑September (regional auctions take place July–October). In 2024 the auction was Aug 27, and the 2025 auction is Sep 16 at 10 a.m. CST.
Usual start time	10 a.m. Central Time; registration generally opens 30 minutes prior
Location (2025)	Paragould Community Center – Gym, 3404 Linwood Drive, Paragould (Greene County); venue may change yearly.
Registration	Required; live auction registration begins at the site about 30 minutes before the sale Online bidders must create an account and verify identity before bidding.
Payment	Full payment due at auction; no cash; pay by check, money order, cashier’s check or credit/debit card
Redemption period	Ends 4 p.m. the business day before the sale no redemption afterward
Bid procedure	Oral auction; highest bid wins as long as it meets or exceeds the tax and fee total
Terms of sale	Deed is a limited warranty deed; buyer may need a quiet‑title action. There is a 90‑day litigation period.
Unsold parcels	Listed on Post‑Auction Sales 30 days after auction and sold via online bidding
Contact	Commissioner of State Lands – [email protected], phone 501‑324‑9422 Local collectors and assessors can assist with parcel research.

Fun Facts About Arkansas & Greene County

• Population growth: Greene County’s estimated 2025 population is 47,413, up from 42,202 in 2010. With a growth rate of 0.71 %, demand for housing is slowly increasing.
  
• Agricultural powerhouse: Agriculture is Arkansas’ largest industry, adding around $16 billion to the state economy annually The state exports rice, soybeans, cotton, poultry and feed grains. There are 49,346 farms, and more than 95 % of the land base is used for agriculture and forestry.
  
• Historic downtown: Paragould’s downtown district spans more than 35 blocks and features the Historic 1888 Courthouse, the Collins Theatre and a seven‑foot bronze Statue of Liberty (the oldest outside New York). The Collins Theatre, built in 1925, hosts community theatre and bluegrass shows year‑round
• Outdoor recreation: Crowley’s Ridge State Park, one of Arkansas’ oldest parks, lies near Paragould. Set atop a unique geological formation, the park offers cabins, camping, hiking trails, fishing at Lake Walcott and boat rentals.
  
• Major companies: Arkansas is home to Wal‑Mart, Tyson Foods and Riceland Foods, the largest food retailer, poultry/meat processor and rice exporter in the U.S., respectively.
  

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular attractions

Greene County blends small‑town charm with access to nature. Visitors stroll the historic downtown district, take photos at the Paragould War Memorial and enjoy bluegrass concerts at the Collins Theatre. Reynolds Park, Crowley’s Ridge Raceway and the Paragould Community Center offer family recreation, while Crowley’s Ridge State Park provides hiking, camping and water activities.

Transportation infrastructure

Paragould is connected to major markets by U.S. Highways 49 and 412 and the BNSF Railway. Jonesboro Municipal Airport (about 20 miles southwest) offers regional flights, while Memphis International Airport is roughly 80 miles to the east. These links make Greene County accessible for commerce and tourism.

Economic development

The county’s economy is anchored by manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare. Major employers include American Railcar Industries, Utility Trailer Manufacturing, Tenaris Hickman (steel pipe), and various food processors. Agribusiness remains strong thanks to rich alluvial soils that support soybeans, rice and corn. Healthcare facilities, such as Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, provide stable jobs. With moderate property prices and steady population growth, Greene County offers a business‑friendly environment.

Community appeal

Greene County residents enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking and boating at nearby state parks and wildlife areas. The region’s bluegrass festivals, community theaters and farmers’ markets reflect a vibrant culture. Eco‑tourism opportunities include bird‑watching on Crowley’s Ridge and exploring the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. Historical enthusiasts can visit the Marmaduke Museum or learn about the county’s railroad heritage at the Paragould Caboose.

Why Greene County Is Ideal for Tax‑Deed Investors

Economic factors and real‑estate trends

Greene County’s modest population growth and affordable housing create opportunity for investors. The county seat of Paragould has become a focal point of growth; local amenities, a strong sense of community and an increasing population have boosted its appeal. Compared with larger cities, housing prices remain more competitive, attracting first‑time buyers and investors The median home price has been rising along with the county’s expanding economy. New subdivisions and housing projects contribute to appreciation. Commercial real‑estate opportunities are also expanding as new businesses open, increasing demand for retail and industrial spaces. Infrastructure improvements, school expansions and healthcare investments add value to neighborhoods and support property values.

High returns with manageable risk

Tax‑deed investing in Arkansas offers high potential returns with relatively low risk. Because the state sells the property itself, investors acquire real estate at prices often below market value. Unredeemed parcels may sometimes be purchased near the amount of delinquent taxes owed. After the 90‑day litigation period, investors can pursue quiet‑title actions and resell or rent the property at market prices. Holding costs are low because Arkansas property taxes are modest (the statewide effective rate averages around 0.59 %, one of the lowest in the U.S.), and there is no interest‑rate bidding down as in tax‑lien states. However, investors must budget for title quieting and possible eviction proceedings.

Understanding the Auction Process

How the live auction works

1. Check the catalog: Download the Public Auction Catalog from cosl.org to view parcels, minimum bids and sale dates.
   
2. Research the property: Use the parcel number to review assessor records, maps and aerial images. Visit the site if possible. Consider ordering a title search; the COSL does not guarantee clear title.
   
3. Register: Arrive at the auction venue about 30 minutes early and present your ID to receive a bidder card
   
4. Bid: When your parcel is called, raise your card to bid. Bids must meet or exceed the minimum (taxes and fees). The highest bidder wins
   
5. Pay: Immediately after winning, provide full payment by check, money order or card
6. Receive deed: The COSL records a limited warranty deed and mails it to you. Wait at least 90 days before making improvements or reselling.
   

Expected returns on Greene County tax deeds

Returns depend on the property’s market value, condition and location. Buying at tax auctions can provide discounted entry into real estate. For example, a vacant lot with delinquent taxes of $500 might sell for $800, yet comparable lots could be worth several thousand dollars. Investors often aim to resell improved properties or hold them as rentals, generating yields much higher than typical bank returns. Because there is no interest‑rate bidding, your profit comes from the spread between the purchase price and resale value.

Foreign investor participation

Arkansas welcomes out‑of‑state investors, but non‑U.S. residents may not bid Domestic investors enjoy equal access to auctions, and the online post‑auction platform makes remote participation convenient.

Importance of Due Diligence

What due diligence entails

• Property inspection: Drive by the property to check its condition, neighborhood and access. Confirm whether structures are present.
  
• Title research: Examine county records for liens, mortgages or judgments. Municipal liens and IRS liens may survive the sale. Consider hiring a title company or abstractor.
  
• Zoning and restrictions: Verify zoning, flood zones and any subdivision covenants.
  
• Budgeting: Estimate the cost of quiet‑title actions, rehabilitation and property taxes. Factor in holding costs during the 90‑day litigation period.
  

Risks of skipping due diligence

Failing to research can lead to unpleasant surprises: outstanding municipal or federal liens, lack of legal access to landlocked parcels, environmental issues, or a structure’s demolition order. Buyers cannot rescind a sale once the deed is issued, and the COSL does not refund credit‑card processing fees

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (Post‑Auction) in Greene County

How to purchase OTC parcels

Parcels that do not sell at the live auction move to the Post‑Auction Sales list after 30 days. You can browse these properties at auction.cosl.org and bid online. The process:

1. Create an account and verify your identity.
   
2. Add a payment method (credit or debit card).
   
3. Place a bid; the system allows automatic maximum bids. Auctions last 30 days and close at 8 p.m. Central on the closing date.
   
4. Earnest money: The system immediately charges $100 (or the full bid if under $100). You must pay the remaining balance within 10 business days or you forfeit the deposit.
   
5. Deed: Once payment is received and the redemption deadline passes, the COSL issues a limited warranty deed.
   

Benefits of OTC purchases

• Convenience: Bid from anywhere without attending a live auction.
  
• Less competition: Unsold parcels often attract fewer bidders, allowing you to buy at the minimum tax amount.
  
• Fixed costs: The reserve bid equals the taxes owed, so there is no competitive bidding.
  
• Research time: You have 30 days to evaluate the property during the auction period and can withdraw from bidding if you change your mind.
  

Pro Tips for Arkansas Tax‑Deed Investing

• Attend a live auction before bidding: Observing the process helps you understand how bidding increments and payment work.
  
• Bring multiple payment options: In case one card is declined, have a check or money order ready.
  
• Stay disciplined: Set a maximum bid based on market value and rehab costs; do not overbid in the excitement of live bidding.
  
• Check the parcel’s redeemability: If the owner redeems before the auction, the parcel will be removed from the sale, so have backup properties.
  
• Keep receipts and records: Document your bidding card, payment receipts and the deed for tax and legal purposes.
  
• Consult professionals: For large investments, consider hiring an attorney experienced in Arkansas quiet‑title actions and a local real‑estate agent to assess resale values.
  

FAQs About Greene County Tax‑Deed Sales

When are Greene County tax sales held?

Greene County participates in the COSL’s regional auctions between July and October. In 2024 the sale occurred on Aug 27 at 10 a.m. and for 2025 it is scheduled for Sept 16. Dates and locations are announced each spring.

Do I need to register to bid?

Yes. Registration begins about 30 minutes before live auctions and requires a driver’s licence. Online bidders must create an account and verify their identity.

What forms of payment are accepted?

You must pay the full bid amount at the sale using a check, money order or credit/debit card. Cash is not accepted.

Is there a redemption period after the sale?

No. Owners must redeem by 4 p.m. on the last business day before the auction. After the auction, the sale is final.

What kind of deed do buyers receive?

The Commissioner of State Lands issues a limited warranty deed, which conveys the state’s interest but does not guarantee clear title. Buyers usually need a quiet‑title action to obtain marketable title.

How can I find available parcels?

Visit cosl.org and view the Public Auction Catalog for live sales or auction.cosl.org for post‑auction properties. Each parcel listing includes the minimum bid, legal description and parcel number.

Can non‑U.S. residents participate?

No. Only individuals and entities with a home of record in the United States may bid at Arkansas tax auctions.

Conclusion

Greene County, Arkansas offers investors the chance to acquire real estate at prices that often mirror the delinquent taxes owed. Regional auctions held by the Commissioner of State Lands are open to the public, but they require diligence and preparation. Registration, research and prompt payment are essential. The county’s growing population, affordable housing, and strong agricultural and manufacturing base create an environment where tax‑deed investors can achieve high returns while helping put land back on the tax rolls. Always conduct thorough due diligence, budget for legal costs and respect the 90‑day litigation period. With careful planning, Greene County’s tax‑delinquent sales can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio.

Useful Links

• Greene County Website 
• State of Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands
• Arkansas offers a wealth of opportunities with Tax Deed Investing
• Let’s talk about Tax Deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 

Need a Hand?

Greene County has tax-sale opportunities worth looking into. Check our Auction Calendar to view listings and schedules. Use our free resources to build your plan, and if you want to speak with someone about how to proceed, go ahead and Book a free call today.

Interested in Faulkner County investing? Check out our Auction Calendar to find your next property. Book a free call or access our free resources to start building your tax deed strategy today.

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