Howard County (Arkansas) Tax‑Delinquent Sales: Everything You Need to Know

Investing in tax-delinquent property can save you money. Each state has different rules, and this article explains how it works in Arkansas, especially in Howard County. You’ll learn when and where the auctions happen, how to register, and what the bidding process is like. Plus, we’ll discuss why Arkansas is appealing to investors. Finding a good deal can be exciting!

Brief overview of Arkansas tax‑deed investing

Arkansas has a special way of handling unpaid property taxes. If someone doesn’t pay their property taxes, the state can sell that property at a public auction. The winning bidder gets ownership through a type of deed called a limited warranty deed. There’s no extra charge or interest to worry about. The buyer will get the property title after a short period, which may involve some legal steps.

The Commissioner of State Lands takes care of these auctions in Arkansas. Counties check which properties are behind on taxes, and they group them for sales. These live auctions happen between July and October every year. If any properties do not sell, they are later listed for sale online after the auction.

Important details

Why Arkansas is unique for tax‑deed investors

Arkansas has many interesting facts. The state is called the Natural State because it has lots of beautiful lakes, rivers, and forests. There are about 3.1 million people living there. 

Arkansas is strong in farming and plants crops worth around $16 billion each year. It grows half of all the rice in the U.S. and is a big player in cotton production. Livestock, poultry, and catfish also help the state’s economy a lot.

The state has lots of trees, with around 19 million acres of forest which is about half of the land. The timber industry provides jobs for over 47,000 people.

In the aerospace field, Arkansas exports products worth about $1.8 billion each year. This industry also provides jobs for over 10,000 people. Its central location helps with transport and logistics jobs, too, with more than 85,000 positions available.

Arkansas is home to 52 state parks and seven national parks. Many people visit the hot springs, hiking trails, and lakes, which helps tourism grow.

Why Howard County is ideal for tax‑deed investors

Howard County lies in southwest Arkansas and forms part of a regional auction that also includes Sevier, Polk, Montgomery and Pike counties. Several factors make the county appealing:

1. Timing and accessibility. The live auction is typically scheduled for early October – giving investors ample time to research. For 2025, the Howard County sale will occur on Oct. 1 at 10 AM at Avalon Keep Botanical Gardens in Mena .
   
2. Affordable entry point. Minimum bids start at the amount of delinquent taxes. Rural counties often have lower assessed values, allowing investors to acquire land at modest prices.
   
3. Growth sectors. The surrounding region benefits from agriculture, timber and mining. According to WorldAtlas, agriculture alone contributes about $16 billion to Arkansas’s economy, with rice and cotton ranking among top cash crops. The county also sits near timber‑rich Ouachita forests and benefits from the state’s transportation infrastructure.
   
4. Outdoor amenities. Nearby attractions include the Ouachita National Forest, Little Missouri Falls and Crater of Diamonds State Park, boosting tourism and rural property demand.
   

Step‑by‑step guide to the Arkansas tax‑deed sale process

1. Research properties. Visit the Public Auction Catalog on  and click parcel numbers to view county assessor data. Verify legal descriptions, access and potential liens. DataScoutPro provides free property mapping.
   
2. Check redemption deadline. Owners can redeem a parcel until 4 PM on the last business day before the sale . If you see a property you like, check to confirm that someone hasn’t redeemed it.
   
3. Register at the auction. Arrive early with a valid photo ID. Registration opens roughly 30 minutes before the sale.
   
4. Bid and pay. Bid amounts start at the delinquent taxes. Winning bidders must pay in full with an approved payment method .
   
5. Obtain the deed. COSL records and mails a limited warranty deed. Buyers have a 90‑day litigation period during which the sale may be contested.
   
6. Quiet title and plan your investment. Many investors initiate a quiet-title action to ensure they have a marketable title because the deed has limitations.. After the litigation period, you can improve, sell or lease the property.
   
7. Post‑auction opportunities. Unsold parcels are available online about 30 days after the live sale. Bidders register at auction.cosl.org.; a $100 earnest‑money deposit is charged automatically and applied to the purchase.
   

Tips for successful investing

• Perform due diligence. Don’t rely solely on the catalog. Visit the property if possible, verify access, check for municipal liens and confirm zoning. The legal description may not include a street address.
  
• Budget for quiet‑title costs. The limited warranty deed does not guarantee marketable title. Factor in attorney fees and court costs when calculating your return.
  
• Bring acceptable payment. Since cash is not accepted , have checks or cards ready. Consider daily withdrawal limits on debit cards.
  
• Be aware of restrictions. Arkansas law prohibits individuals whose home of record is outside the United States from bidding at tax‑delinquent auctions. Former owners and interested parties cannot bid, and failure to pay may result in a ban from future sales.
  
• Watch for post‑auction bargains. Online post‑auction sales often have less competition. You can purchase properties for the minimum bid plus fees.

Frequently asked questions about Howard County tax‑deed sales

Q: Can I redeem a property after the sale?
A: No. Owners or interested parties may redeem only until 4 p.m. the last business day before the auction. Once they sells a property at auction, they finalize the sale, and the buyer cannot redeem it..

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: They do not accept cash. You may pay with a personal or business check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit/debit card. Full payment is due at the auction.

Q: Is a deposit required?
A: No deposit is required at live auctions. However, for post-auction online sales, a $100 earnest-money charge is placed on the winning bidder’s card.

Q: What kind of deed do buyers receive?
A: Buyers receive a Limited Warranty Deed recorded with the county. Most investors complete a quiet title action afterward to clear ownership.

Useful Links

• Howard County Cosl 
• 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?

Howard County auctions are listed now. Use our Auction Calendar to review available properties and key sale dates. Our free resources are perfect for first-timers or experienced investors. Book a call today and get expert advice tailored to your needs.

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

5–10deals/mo

2009TLS founded