Little River County, Arkansas Tax Deed Sales – Dates, Registration & Auction Guide

Little River County is in southwest Arkansas. It holds auctions for properties that haven’t paid taxes. People can bid on these properties and gain ownership.

In Arkansas, there isn’t a state property tax. Instead, counties collect property taxes to fund schools and services. The average tax is only $532 a year, which is low compared to other states. 

Because of these low costs, many investors are interested in buying properties in Little River County.

Overview of Arkansas Tax Deed Investing

In Arkansas, when people don’t pay their property taxes for two years, the county sells the property at an auction instead of just selling a lien. The starting bid covers the unpaid taxes and fees. The highest bidder gets a limited warranty deed and becomes the owner after a 90-day waiting period, during which others can contest the sale.

Once sold, the original owner can’t buy it back. They must pay their taxes by 4 PM the last business day before the auction. Since July 1, 2023, sold properties cannot be redeemed. 

If a property doesn’t sell at the auction, it will be available online for direct purchase about 30 days later.

Important Details for Little River County’s Tax Sale

Little River County & Arkansas – Fun Facts and Local Flavor

Little River County is in southwest Arkansas, close to Texas. It was created in 1867 and is named after the Little River. The main city is Ashdown. Over the last ten years, more people have moved to Arkansas, growing the population from about 2.92 million to over 3.08 million by 2024.

Property taxes in Arkansas are low compared to other states. People here pay an average of only $532 a year for property taxes, making it easier for investors to manage costs. 

Agriculture and forestry are big parts of the local economy. Little River County is near Texarkana, which has good road access and provides jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Farms in the area mainly produce timber, poultry, soybeans, and cattle.

Outdoor lovers can enjoy nature at Millwood State Park and the Little River National Wildlife Refuge. You can fish, camp, watch birds, and go boating. Nearby, there are fun places to visit like historic Texarkana, the Crater of Diamonds State Park, Hot Springs National Park, and the Ouachita National Forest.

Getting around is easy with U.S. Highways 59 and 71 connecting to Interstate 30. There’s also train service from the Kansas City Southern Railway. For flights, people can use the Texarkana Regional Airport.

Why Little River County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

1. Affordable entry and low carrying costs – Arkansas’s low property tax burden means investors are not saddled with high holding costs while they secure title. Many tax‑delinquent parcels sell close to the delinquent tax amount, allowing investors to acquire property inexpensively.
   
2. Full ownership rights – Arkansas sells deeds rather than liens. The successful bidder receives a limited warranty deed, enabling eventual full title (after quiet‑title action) and the ability to use, rent or sell the property. There is no redemption after the sale, which eliminates uncertainty.
   
3. High return potential – Investors can acquire vacant lots, timber tracts or improved properties for a fraction of market value, then resell or develop the land. Because minimum bids begin at the amount of taxes owed, spreads can be significant on parcels with low delinquent taxes.
   
4. Transparent process – The Commissioner of State Lands publishes auction dates and parcel lists. Tools such as DataScoutPro provide free property cards and GIS mapping. Bidders can view photos, parcel numbers and assessed values online before the sale.
   
5. Opportunity for OTC purchases – Unsold parcels are listed 30 days after the auction in the post‑auction sale. Investors can purchase these properties online without competition, paying the minimum reserve price and a $100 earnest deposit.
   

Tax Deed Auction Process in Little River County

1. Research parcels – Visit the COSL auction catalog and DataScoutPro to review parcel maps, legal descriptions and assessed values. Drive by the property if possible. Check for liens, environmental issues and access. The COSL does not guarantee clear title; buyers often need to file a quiet‑title action to obtain marketable title.
   
2. Register at the auction – For live sales, arrive at least 30 minutes early, show photo ID and complete a bidder registration card. There is no registration fee. For online post‑auction sales, create an account at auction.cosl.org, verify your identity and add a payment method.
   
3. Bidding – The auctioneer reads each parcel number and accepts oral bids. Bidding opens at the minimum bid (delinquent taxes and fees). The highest bid wins. In post‑auction sales, bidders place offers online over a 30‑day period. Unsold properties may be offered at negotiated prices.
   
4. Payment – Successful bidders must pay the full purchase price at the sale. COSL accepts personal or business checks, cashier’s checks, money orders or credit/debit cards (with a processing fee). Cash is not accepted. Online buyers pay the first $100 immediately by credit/debit card and must send certified funds for the balance within 10 business days.
   
5. Deed issuance – After payment, COSL issues a Purchaser Summary; the limited warranty deed is recorded in the county and mailed to the buyer. There is a 90‑day litigation period during which the sale can be contested. Investors should wait until the litigation period ends before making major improvements.

Expected Returns and Managing Risks

In Arkansas, when you buy property at auctions, you get the deed. This lets you earn money from rent or sell it for more later. For instance, buying land for $5,000 could lead to selling it for $20,000. Your profit depends on the location and market.

However, it’s important to do your research first. Some land might not have road access or could be in flood zones. You also need to check for any debts connected to the property. Without this, you might end up with land that’s hard to use or that costs a lot to fix.

Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Purchases

If a parcel does not sell at the live auction, it is listed in the unsold property auction 30 days later. Bidding is online and remains open for 30 days. The highest bidder (≥ reserve bid) wins. Benefits of OTC purchases include:

• Fixed minimum price – you pay the delinquent taxes and fees without competitive bidding.
  
• Convenience – buy from anywhere using the online platform.
  
• Potential bargains – some parcels are overlooked during live auctions but may have value.
  

Note that the same payment rules apply (first $100 charged immediately, balance due within ten business days). Parcels unsold for two years may be offered at negotiated‑price auctions with reserve bids below the tax amount.

Conclusion

Little River County has a tax auction for properties that can be a great chance for people looking to buy land or buildings at a low price. Arkansas has low property taxes, easy-to-understand auctions, and more people moving in, which makes it a good place for new investments. 

To be successful, you need to do some homework. This means checking out the properties, knowing how the deed works, setting aside money for legal fees, and paying on time. If you’re prepared and open to looking at rural areas, investing in tax deeds in Little River County can be both fun and make you money.

Pro Tips for Success

• Start small – Attend an auction as an observer, research a few parcels and bid conservatively until you understand the process.
  
• Use available tools – DataScoutPro maps, county assessor records and plat maps help confirm location, acreage and zoning. Contact the county assessor or planning office to check for building restrictions.
  
• Inspect in person – Whenever possible, visit the property. Pictures may not reflect current condition. Rural parcels may lack road access or utilities.
  
• Budget for legal work – Factor in the cost of a quiet‑title lawsuit and any back assessments or clean‑up liens. Title insurance may not be available until the title is quieted.
  
• Check tax status – You may be responsible for the current year’s taxes. Pay promptly to avoid additional penalties.
  
• Keep good records – Save your purchaser summary, receipts and any correspondence. These documents are essential for filing a quiet‑title action.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the bidding process work?
A: The minimum bid is the total of delinquent taxes, penalties, and costs. The auctioneer takes oral bids. The highest bidder above the minimum wins.

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Payment is due immediately after the sale. Accepted methods: personal or business check, cashier’s check, money order, or debit/credit card. Cash is not accepted.

Q: Is a deposit required?
A: No deposit is required for live auctions. For online post-auction sales, a $100 earnest money deposit per parcel is charged to your card when the bid closes.

Q: When will I get the deed?
A: The Commissioner issues a limited warranty deed after a 90-day litigation period.

Useful Links

• Little River 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?

Little River County has tax-sale listings waiting for smart investors. Visit our Auction Calendar to browse what’s available. Explore our free resources to prepare, and when you’re ready to move forward with expert help, go ahead and Book a call with our team.

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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