Poinsett County, Arkansas Tax Sale Guide – Dates, Procedures & Investing Insights

Poinsett County, Arkansas, is a place known for farming and is becoming popular for people who want to buy land. It is in the northeastern part of the state and is famous for its good farmland, friendly small towns, and being close to bigger cities. For people who want to invest in real estate, Poinsett County has yearly sales where they can buy land for much lower prices. This helps the county get money back for unpaid taxes..

Brief Overview of Poinsett County’s Tax Sale

In Poinsett County, when people don’t pay their property taxes, the state steps in to sell their land. The Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands helps with this. They hold special sales, either in person or online. These sales let people buy land for a much lower price than usual.

Usually, these sales happen between July and October, and in Poinsett County, they often take place in early August. The person who offers the most money gets to own the property.

Important Details at a Glance

Item	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax deed – buyer gets limited warranty deed to state’s interest
Sale Date (2025)	Varies Every Year (sales usually early August)
Location	Hilton Garden Inn – Ballroom, 2840 S Caraway Rd., Jonesboro, AR (venue may change Every Year)
Registration	Required on site. Opens 30 mins before auction, closes at start. No fee, photo ID needed. Online sales need free account + ID verification
Redemption	Owners may redeem until 4 PM CT the business day before sale. No redemption after auction
Bidding	Starts at delinquent taxes/fees. Open outcry, highest bid wins. Full payment due sale day (check, cashier’s check, card – no cash)
Deposit	Live auctions: no deposit, pay in full same day. Online: $100 charged at close, balance due in 10 days
Contact	COSL: 501-324-9422, [email protected] • Poinsett County Collector: 870-578-4415

How the auction works

1. **Research** – You can check land details, like parcel numbers and taxes, by looking in COSL’s catalog. They link to property cards from the county, but it’s a good idea to do your own search for any debts on the property.

2. **Register** – If you want to bid at live sales, make sure to arrive about 30 minutes early and fill out a registration card. For online sales, you need to create an account and confirm who you are.

3. **Bidding** – Properties are sold in a certain order. The starting bid is the amount of unpaid taxes and fees. The auctioneer will decide how much the bids go up by.

4. **Payment** – If you win the bid, you need to pay the full amount right then and there using a check or a card; cash isn’t allowed. If you bid online, you pay $100 right away and then send the rest of the money later.

5. **Deed & Litigations** – After you pay, you will get a special deed for the property. But remember, for the next 90 days, the sale can be questioned, so it’s best not to make big changes to the property until that time is over.

State Redemption and Interest Rates

In Arkansas, when people buy a property at an auction, they are buying the land itself, not just a piece of paper that says they can take it later. This means they become the new owners right away. Before July 2023, if the previous owner wanted their land back, they could pay a certain amount of money, plus an extra 10% for interest. Now, they have to pay everything back by 4 p.m. on the last business day before the auction if they want to keep their land. Instead of getting interest like before, people who invest can buy houses or land for just a little more than the unpaid taxes.

Why Arkansas—And Poinsett County—Are Attractive for Tax‑Deed Investors

High returns with manageable risk

• **Buying Land for Cheap:** You can bid on land for a price that is less than what it’s worth. This means if you buy it in places like Poinsett, you can get it for a lot less money and have a good chance to make money later.

• **No Chance to Get It Back:** Once you buy the land at an auction, you won’t have to worry about someone trying to take it back after a certain time. You can keep it for good after about three months from the auction.

• **Farming Possibilities:** In Poinsett, many people grow crops like soybeans, cotton, and rice. If you buy farmland, you can rent it to farmers or sell the crops for money. Farming is really important here and makes a lot of money for the area.

• **Low Taxes on Property:** In Arkansas, the average person pays about $705 in property taxes each year, which is one of the lowest amounts in the country. This means it’s not too expensive to own land. Taxes are due in mid-October every year.

Unique features and fun facts about Arkansas

• **Population & Demographics:** Arkansas has about 3.1 million people living in it. That makes it the 34th largest state in the U.S. The capital and biggest city is Little Rock. Most of the people in Arkansas are White, with about 15% being Black or African American.

• **Geography & History:** Arkansas has beautiful mountains called the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, which are great for hiking and exploring nature. Hot Springs National Park is the oldest park in the U.S. that is protected by the government. The Arkansas River runs through Little Rock, and the land in the delta area is very good for farming.

• **Economic Highlights:** Farming helps the Arkansas economy a lot, making up about 8.5% of the money the state earns. Besides farming, the economy also includes stores (like Walmart, which has its headquarters in Bentonville), shipping goods, making airplanes, and working with wood.

• **Interesting Laws:** If you own property in Arkansas, you need to pay your taxes by October 15. If you don’t pay, you can be charged an extra fee. If you don’t pay your taxes for two years, your property can be sold at an auction.

• **Poinsett County Quirks:** The St. Francis Sunken Lands were made when big earthquakes made the ground sink 15–20 feet a long time ago. People who like fishing can go to Lake Poinsett State Park, and there’s a special place called the Riverdale Tunnel that goes under another river.

Attractions, Infrastructure & Economic Development

Popular attractions

Poinsett County and surrounding northeast Arkansas offer:

• **State Parks and Wildlife Areas:** Lake Poinsett State Park, Lake Hogue, and Bayou DeView are great places for boating, fishing, and hunting. The nearby St. Francis Sunken Lands are perfect for watching birds and paddling in canoes.

• **Historic Sites:** The Poinsett County Courthouse was built in 1918 and has a big clock on all four sides. The Crowley’s Ridge Scenic Byway is a road that goes by places from the Civil War and areas where Native Americans lived.

• **Regional Tourism:** In Jonesboro, you can visit fun places like the Fowler Center at Arkansas State University. Memphis, which is about 60 miles to the south, has cool music places like blues clubs if you want to take a day trip.
  

Transportation infrastructure

Poinsett is easy to get to because it is near important roads. Big highways like Interstate 555 and U.S. Highways 49 and 63 go through the area. There are also state highways, like 1, 14, 18, 69, 75, and 135, that connect farms and small towns. The Jonesboro Municipal Airport offers flights to nearby places, and trains help move goods in and out of the area..

Economic development

Farming is very important in Poinsett County. Farmers grow a lot of soybeans and rice. In the whole state, chickens and eggs are the biggest products. Many people are also looking to buy land where crops and trees can be grown to make money.

Besides farming, Arkansas makes things in factories, like airplanes and steel. Some big stores, like Walmart and Tyson Foods, are also important. There are boats that move goods on the Mississippi River, and new technology jobs are growing in places like Little Rock and Fayetteville.

Community appeal

Residents enjoy a low cost of living and plenty of outdoor recreation. Fishing, hunting and boating are popular around Lake Poinsett and the St. Francis River. The county’s small towns host fairs, flea markets and high school sports. Nearby Jonesboro offers shopping, restaurants and entertainment, while Memphis provides big‑city amenities within an hour’s drive. Eco‑tourism opportunities include bird‑watching in the Sunken Lands, exploring Crowley’s Ridge, and biking along scenic backroads. 

Why Poinsett County Tax Deeds Are Smart Investments

Maximum potential returns

When people don’t pay their property taxes, the government can sell the land to get the money it’s owed. This means that people can buy land for a lot less money than it’s usually worth. For example, if a piece of farm land is worth $50,000, it might be sold for just $2,592 plus some extra costs. Even after paying a little bit more for things like closing costs, the person who buys it often has a good deal. They can also rent the land to farmers or make money from it in other ways..

Open to all (U.S.) investors

In Arkansas, anyone with a U.S. address and ID can join auctions, which are events where people bid money for things. You don’t have to live in Arkansas to take part, but people who don’t live in the U.S. can’t buy land. Both small investors and big landowners can join in, so the bidding can be exciting but easy to join..

Auction process explained

1. **Notice & Research** – COSL shares information about land for sale in a local newspaper and on their website. You can look at maps and details about the land using the DataScout link. If you can, visit the land; some pieces might be hard to reach or underwater. It might help to hire a local company to check the land’s ownership.

2. **Registration** – For the Poinsett sale, arrive by 9:30 a.m. to sign up and get a bid card. Bring an ID with your picture. If you want to bid online, register on the auction website and make sure your identity is verified.

3. **Bidding** – The auctioneer will call out each piece of land one by one. Bidding begins at the amount owed, and it goes up until only one person is left bidding.

4. **Payment & Deed** – You need to pay the full price by check or card; they don’t take cash. COSL will send you a special paper saying you own the land, which should arrive in a few weeks. There’s a 90-day waiting time if anyone wants to challenge the sale.

5. **Post-Auction Sales** – Thirty days after the live auction, any land that didn’t sell will be posted online. You can bid for it there; the system will charge $100 right away, and you have ten business days to pay the rest.
   

Expected returns on Arkansas tax deeds

Unlike tax liens that pay a fixed rate, tax deeds offer speculative returns. Investors profit through:

• Capital appreciation: Buying at below‑market prices creates equity if property values rise.
  
• Rental income: Farmland can be leased; homes may be rented or resold.
  
• Timber & mineral rights: Some parcels include timber or mineral rights; due diligence is crucial.
  

The money you can make from a piece of land can be very different based on how it’s used, where it is, and how many people want it. If someone is smart and careful with their money, they can earn good profits every year—sometimes even more than 10%. But they also need to save money for things like legal fees, fixing up the property, and paying taxes that are due in October.

Foreign investor participation

Arkansas needs people who want to bid on property to show a U.S. government ID. People from other countries who don’t live in the U.S. can’t join tax-deed auctions. If you’re an international investor, it might be better to team up with someone from the U.S. or look for other states that have easier rules. easier rules.

Due Diligence – The Key to Success

What due diligence entails

1. **Look at the property lines:** COSL gives legal descriptions of the land, but buyers should check where the property really is. Use maps and visit the area to see it for yourself.

2. **Check for debts on the property:** Sometimes, when someone buys a property with a tax deed, there could still be money owed to the city or other places. It’s a good idea to ask the county clerk and look for a title search.

3. **Check the condition of the property:** Some pieces of land might be very wet, have steep hills, or old buildings that are falling apart. It’s a good idea to drive by and look at it so you know what you’re getting.

4. **Plan for a quiet-title action:** When you buy a property with a tax deed, you might need to take more steps to make sure you really own it. This could mean going to court for a “quiet-title” suit to prove you have the rights to the land.

Risks of skipping due diligence

• Title issues: Unknown heirs or liens could cloud title, requiring costly litigation.
  
• Environmental problems: Floodplains or contamination could make land unbuildable.
  
• Accessibility: Landlocked parcels may lack road access.
  
• Market demand: Some rural lots may be difficult to resell.
  

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Tax Deeds

If a package doesn’t get any bids at the live auction, it moves to a special list after 30 days. Anyone can visit the auction website and bid online. The steps are simple: you need to sign up, place your bid, and if you win, you pay the first $100 right away. After that, you have ten business days to send a cashier’s check or money order for the rest of the money. These special sales don’t have competition and usually have a starting price that is equal to the taxes and fees, which makes them interesting for people who want to make a steady profit..

Why Poinsett County Appeals to Investors

Poinsett County is a place where farming is important, and it has a small number of people living there. The land is not too expensive, which makes it a good spot for buyers. Farmers in the area grow crops like soybeans, cotton, and rice, and they have good water to help their plants grow. There are big roads like I-555, U.S. 49, and U.S. 63 that help truck drivers take food from the farms to nearby cities like Jonesboro and Memphis. 

People can visit fun places like Lake Poinsett State Park and the Sunken Lands, which can bring in visitors and help the area earn money. Many pieces of land sold at auctions are small farms or lots, so it’s a good chance for people to invest without spending a lot of money.

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Pro Tips for Arkansas Tax‑Deed Investors

1. **Get there early and bring ID** – You need to show a valid driver’s license or state ID when you arrive, and check-in starts 30 minutes before the sale.

2. **Have enough money** – You need to pay the full price on the sale day with a check or a card. If you buy online, make sure you have the money ready within 10 days.

3. **Do your homework** – Look at the property, check maps, and ask the county clerk if there are any money problems linked to it. Spending a little time to check can save you a lot later.

4. **Think about extra costs** – If you need to do legal papers, pay recording fees, or cover taxes that are due on October 15, that will be your job to pay.

5. **Wait before making changes** – Don’t start building or making big improvements until 90 days have passed after the sale.

6. **Spread out your money** – It’s better to buy property in different places to lower your risk. You can even bid on nearby counties at big sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

**When are Poinsett County tax sales held?**

The tax sales usually happen in early August. In 2025, the sale will be on August 6 at 10 a.m. in the morning.

**Is registration required?**

Yes, you need to sign up before you can bid. You can sign up 30 minutes before the sale starts. You will need a driver’s license or a state ID.

**Where are the auctions held?**

In 2025, the auction will be at the Hilton Garden Inn Ballroom, located at 2840 S Caraway Rd., Jonesboro. The place might change, so it’s a good idea to check the Public Auction Catalog before you go.

**Can I pay with cash?**

No, you can’t pay with cash. You can pay using a personal or business check, a money order, or a credit/debit card.

**How long do owners have to redeem?**

Owners can get their property back until 4 p.m. the day before the sale. They can’t reclaim it on the auction day or after that.

**What happens if a property is unsold?**

If a property is not sold, it will be listed online about 30 days later, and you can buy it then. This usually has less competition.

**Are delinquent liens removed?**

Some old debts, like city code problems, might still be on the property after the sale. Federal tax debts are also very important and stick around, so it’s good to check for these before you bid.

**How can I stay updated?**

You can keep an eye on COSL’s Public Auction Catalog and sign up for their email updates. You can also call 501-324-9422 or email [email protected] for more information. The Poinsett County Collector’s Office (870-578-4415) can help with local information too.

Useful Links

• COSL Public Auction Catalog – Upcoming auction dates, locations and parcel lists.
  
• Auction Resource & Buyer’s Guide – COSL’s buying guide explaining procedures and rules.
  
• auction.cosl.org – Post‑auction site for unsold parcels (requires registration).
  
• Poinsett County Government – Local government services and contact numbers.
  
• Association of Arkansas Counties – Poinsett County – County history, demographics and officials.
  
• Arkansas Economic Impact of Agriculture – Agriculture statistics and commodities.
  

Conclusion: Opportunity Awaits in Poinsett County

Poinsett County might not be very well-known, but it has quiet farms and small towns where people can find good deals on land. In Arkansas, when someone doesn’t pay their property taxes, the county can sell that property at an auction. The bidding can start at what the owner owes in taxes. Once the auction happens, the winner can’t change their mind, so they can buy land at a much lower price than what it’s usually worth. This can be a good chance, especially for farmland that grows crops like soybeans, rice, and cotton.

Arkansas also has low property taxes and a growing farming business, which means it could be a smart place to invest. But it’s really important to do research first. Investors should understand how the auction works, make sure the property is clear from other claims, and be ready for any extra costs after buying. By doing their homework, people can find good pieces of land and build up a collection of productive farms.

Need a hand?

Meigs 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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