Start Small, Think Big: Buying Property Through Tax Sales in Rural Georgia

Looking to invest in property through tax sales? If so, Miller County, Georgia might be a great place to start. Known for its wide-open farmland and slower lifestyle, this rural county offers investors a chance to buy property at lower prices through tax deed sales.

In this guide, you’ll learn how the process works, what to expect, and where to find updates so you can start smart and stay informed.

Georgia Tax Sales Overview

Georgia is a redeemable tax deed state. That means when you buy at a tax sale, you don’t get full ownership right away. Instead, you receive a deed that allows the property owner 12 months to pay you back—plus a 20% penalty. If they don’t redeem it within a year, you may begin the process of taking full title.

Important Details for Miller County, Georgia

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable Tax Deeds
Sale Date	First Tuesday of each month (if applicable)
Auction Time	10:00 AM Eastern Time
Redemption Period	12 months from the sale date
Interest/Penalty Rate	20% flat penalty added to redemption payment
Bid Procedure	Live public auction – highest bidder wins
Registration Time	Around 9:00 AM day-of-sale
Payment Requirement	Full payment right after auction (cashier’s check or money order)
Location	Miller County Courthouse, 155 S. First St., Colquitt, GA
Contact	Tax Commissioner Olivia Suggs (229) 758-4101

Need to stay updated? Visit the Miller County Tax Commissioner’s website or check out local sale announcements.

Fun Facts About Georgia

• Georgia was the last of the original 13 colonies.
• The state is known for having both farmland and tech hubs.
• Over 11 million people live in Georgia as of 2024.
• Tax sales are handled at the county level—not statewide.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions:
Miller County is home to scenic parks, small museums, and historical landmarks like the courthouse in Colquitt.

Transportation:
Miller County is served by U.S. Highway 27, with the closest airports located in Albany, GA and Dothan, AL.

Economic Growth Sectors:
Agriculture leads the way, with peanut farming, poultry, and timber. Manufacturing and renewable energy are also growing in Georgia.

Community Life:
The area offers a quiet lifestyle with outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, and local events that make it a good fit for retirees or investors looking for long-term rental opportunities.

Why Georgia is Good for Tax Deed Investors

Georgia has a few features that make it attractive for tax deed investing:

High Returns with Less Risk:
With a 20% flat penalty due at redemption, your profit is built in from day one.

Simple Auction Process:
Register, bid, and pay—no long paperwork or online-only platforms to navigate.

Open to All Investors:
You don’t need to be a Georgia resident. Even international buyers can take part in tax sales here.

How the Auction Works in Miller County

1. Check Listings: Visit the Miller County Tax Commissioner’s website or local paper.
2. Show Up Early: Be at the courthouse by 9:00 AM to register.
3. Bidding Starts at 10:00 AM: Highest bidder wins. Properties sold “as-is.”
4. Payment Due Immediately: Bring a cashier’s check or money order—no personal checks or credit cards.

Expected Returns on Miller County Tax Deeds

Investors can expect either:

• A 20% return if the property is redeemed within 12 months, or
• Full ownership if it is not redeemed.

Returns are consistent and not based on interest compounding, which makes them easier to calculate.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) in Miller County

If a property doesn’t sell at auction, it might be available as an OTC purchase.

How to Buy:

• Contact the Miller County Tax Office
• Request the list of unsold properties.
• Complete payment directly—no auction needed.

Why It’s Worth It:

• No competition
• More time to research
• Guaranteed penalty return if redeemed

Miller County Real Estate Insights

Colquitt is the Real Estate Hub:
As the county seat, Colquitt has most of the homes and rental properties.

Affordable Land:
You’ll find large tracts of farmland or residential lots priced well below urban areas.

Rental Demand:
Local agriculture and small businesses create steady demand for rental homes and commercial properties.

Proximity to Major Roads:
U.S. Highway 27 makes it easy to reach nearby cities like Dothan, AL and Albany, GA.

Pro Tips Before You Buy

• Check well water systems—many properties use private wells.
• Confirm fire coverage—some parcels are outside nearby station zones.
• Always verify legal descriptions—don’t assume the tax record matches the actual property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Georgia to invest?
No. Anyone can participate.

Do I get the property right away?
No. You get a redeemable deed. You must wait 12 months before you can claim full ownership.

What happens if the owner redeems it?
You’ll get your money back, plus a 20% penalty.

Is there a minimum bid?
Usually, bidding starts at the amount of taxes owed, but that can vary.

Useful Links

• Miller County Tax Commissioner’s Website
• Miller County Tax Payment Portal
• Georgia Property Tax Overview
• Unlock Property Deals at a Fraction of the Cost in Georgia
• Discover the intriguing world of Hybrid Auctions
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Want to get started with Tax Liens? Watch this video!
• Learn About the 90% Off Georgia Real Estate!!

Need a Hand?

Miller County may be the perfect place to begin. Visit the Auction Calendar to view listings, explore our free resources, and if you want help tailoring a strategy, book a call with one of our experts.

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