Tax Sale Secrets in Pierce County That Every Investor Should Know

If you’re looking for low-cost property with the chance for high returns, Pierce County, Georgia is a great place to explore. When property owners don’t pay their taxes, the county sells those properties at tax deed auctions. These sales are open to the public, and if you know how it works, you could land a solid real estate deal.

Let’s walk through what you need to know to get started.

How Tax Sales Work in Georgia

Georgia uses a redeemable tax deed system. When you buy a property at auction, the previous owner has 1 year and 1 day to repay what you spent—plus a 20% interest penalty. If they don’t, you can begin the legal steps to take full ownership.

This setup gives investors a way to earn strong returns while limiting the risk of long-term holding.

Important Tax Sale Details for Pierce County

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable Tax Deed
Sale Schedule	First Tuesday of the month (only when qualifying properties exist)
Time of Auction	Starts at 10:00 AM. Arrive by 9:00 AM to register.
Location	Pierce County Courthouse, 3550 US Hwy 84, Blackshear, GA
Redemption Period	1 year + 1 day
Interest Rate	20% penalty on top of purchase price
Bidding Process	Public outcry; highest bid wins
Opening Bid	Starts at amount owed in taxes, penalties, and fees
Payment Due	Full payment required within 1 hour (cash or certified funds only)
Registration	In person, with valid photo ID and affidavit (not bidding for original owner)
Deed Type Issued	Sheriff’s Tax Deed (mailed after processing)
More Info	Pierce County Tax Commissioner’s Office
Listings and Updates	County website, legal organ newspaper, GSCCCA.org

Why Investors Like Georgia

Georgia is one of the few states that still uses the redeemable deed process. This gives investors the chance to earn fixed interest returns without needing to manage property right away.

The 1-year and 1-day redemption period is short enough to give you results quickly, but long enough to provide structure for both the investor and the property owner.

Quick Facts About Pierce County and Georgia

• Georgia has 159 counties, and tax deed auctions are held in many of them monthly.
• Pierce County has a population of around 19,000 people.
• The land here is often used for timber, farming, and recreation.
• Real estate is very affordable, especially for first-time investors.
• The county seat, Blackshear, is where most of the business and rentals happen.

Attractions and Local Economy

Attractions
Pierce County offers outdoor activities like parks, trails, and historical landmarks. It’s a peaceful place with small-town character.

Transportation
Located near major highways, it’s easy to drive to nearby cities like Waycross and Brunswick. There’s no major airport, but you’ll have access to regional transportation.

Economy
Agriculture, timber, and light manufacturing support the local economy. Government and school jobs also help keep rental demand steady.

Community Life
People here enjoy a slower pace. You’ll find strong neighborhood ties, good schools, and affordable homes. It’s a solid area for long-term property holds.

What Makes Tax Deed Investing in Georgia Worth It

High Returns with Lower Risk
You earn 20% interest if the property is redeemed. That’s much better than most traditional savings accounts and doesn’t come with the stock market’s ups and downs.

Simple Process
The auction process is easy to follow and open to all investors, including those out of state or overseas.

Many Counties to Choose From
Since each county holds its own sales, you can pick places that match your goals—like rural land, rental properties, or fix-and-flip homes.

Understanding the Auction Step by Step

1. Check listings on the county site or GSCCCA four weeks before the sale.
2. Show up early on sale day to register by 9:00 AM.
3. Bidding starts at 10:00 AM. It’s public outcry style—highest bid wins.
4. Pay within 1 hour using cash or a cashier’s check.
5. Wait out the redemption (1 year and 1 day).
6. File for quiet title if the property isn’t redeemed.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tax Deeds in Georgia

If a property doesn’t sell at auction, you may be able to buy it over the counter (OTC).

To do this, contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office directly.

Why Go OTC?

• No bidding competition
• Fixed price
• Great for investors who want to take their time researching

What to Know Before You Bid

Do Your Research First
Check for zoning, environmental risks, flood zones, and land access. Some land may look like a bargain but come with hidden problems.

Avoid Landlocked or Unusable Parcels
Use the county parcel map or GIS to make sure you can access the land.

Check the Day Before
Listings can change. Call the county tax office the day before the auction for updates.

FAQs About Pierce County Tax Sales

Do I need to live in Georgia to bid?
No. The auction is open to everyone, including out-of-state and international investors.

Can I visit the property?
You can view it from public roads, but do not enter the land. It’s still legally owned by someone else until the deed is cleared.

What happens if the owner redeems?
You’ll get your money back plus 20% interest.

How do I become the full owner?
If no one redeems the property in time, you can file a court action for a quiet title to gain full ownership.

Where do I find tax sale info?
Start with the Pierce County Tax Sale page or check GSCCCA.

Useful Links

• Pierce County Tax Sale Info
• Georgia Deed Records – GSCCCA
• Georgia Tax Sale Law (Justia)
• 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!!

Ready to Get Started?

Pierce County has listings worth checking out. Visit the Auction Calendar and use our free resources to educate yourself. When you’re ready to act, book a call to speak with someone who can guide your decisions

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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