Jones County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed – Your Guide to the County’s Tax Sale Process

Introduction

Jones County sits on the rolling plains of West Texas. It was named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The county covers about 937 square miles and is home to around 19,960 people. Anson is the county seat and the largest towns include Stamford and Hamlin. This article explains how Jones County conducts its redeemable tax deed sales. It also gives a quick look at local history, real estate, attractions and why investors keep an eye on this part of Texas.

What Is a Redeemable Tax Deed in Texas?

Texas sells redeemable tax deeds rather than tax lien certificates. When property taxes go unpaid, the county files a tax suit, and a court orders the land sold. At the auction, the winning bidder pays the full amount due and receives a sheriff’s deed without warranty. The former owner has a right of redemption—180 days for most property and two years for homesteads or agricultural tracts. If the owner redeems, they must repay the bid plus a redemption premium. This premium is 25 percent of the bid during the first six months and 50 percent after that, making Texas’s return rates some of the highest in the country. If the owner does not redeem, the investor keeps the property.

Important Details

Item	Summary
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable tax deed; winning bidder receives sheriff’s deed subject to redemption.
Typical Sale Date	Sales are usually on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Central Time). Jones County often starts its auction at 2 p.m. at the courthouse.
Redemption Period	180 days for most property; 2 years for homestead or agricultural property.
Interest/Redemption Premium	Former owners must pay 25 % of the purchase price if redeemed within 6 months, and 50 % if redeemed between months 7–24.
Bid Procedure	Oral auction. Starting bid is the lesser of taxes due or the appraised value. Highest bidder pays cash or cashier’s check on the day of sale.
Deposit	Jones County does not usually require a deposit. The bidder must bring cash or cashier’s checks and may need to sign in; full payment is due immediately.
Registration	Registration is typically done on-site before the sale. Counties may require bidders to show proof that they do not owe delinquent taxes.
Auction Location	Courthouse steps at 101 Courthouse Square, Anson, Texas.
Contact	Tax Assessor‑Collector Gloria Little, P.O. Box 511, Anson, TX 79501. Phone (325) 823‑2437. Email [email protected].

Fun Facts About Jones County

• Historic roots – Fort Phantom Hill was built in 1851 to protect travelers heading to California. It was abandoned three years later but its stone chimneys remain and the site is on the National Register of Historic Places.
  
• Early ranching and farming – Settlers began ranching longhorn cattle in the 1870s, and cotton became the dominant crop in the early 1900s. Oil was discovered at Noodle Creek in 1926.
  
• Population trends – Jones County’s population peaked at over 24,000 in 1910 and now sits around 19,960. The county is part of the Abilene metropolitan area.
  
• Annual events – Anson hosts the Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball, a three‑day December dance that preserves frontier traditions. Stamford, partly in Jones County, holds the Texas Cowboy Reunion rodeo around July 4.
  
• Real estate – The median value of owner‑occupied homes is $92,700, far below the U.S. average. About 81 % of residents own their homes.
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

Jones County offers history, recreation and small‑town charm. Fort Phantom Hill, east of Anson, features ruins of the fort and interpretive trails. The Jones County Courthouse, built in 1910, anchors the Anson square. Stamford Grand Theatre and Pioneer Hall in Anson host community events and dances. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing and boating at Lake Fort Phantom Hill and bird watching along Elm Creek.

Transportation is easy via U.S. Highways 83, 180 and 277, and state highways 6 and 92. The county is about a half‑hour drive from Abilene Regional Airport. Agriculture remains a major employer, with cotton, wheat, sorghum and cattle dominating local fields. Oil and gas extraction and gypsum manufacturing also contribute to the economy. The low cost of living and strong sense of community make Jones County attractive to families and investors alike.

Why Jones County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

Jones County combines high returns and low purchase prices. Auctions often feature opening bids near the amount of taxes owed, so buyers can acquire property for a fraction of market value. If the owner redeems, the investor earns a 25–50 percent premium, which beats many traditional investments. If redemption does not occur, the bidder obtains a deed to land where the median home value is just $92,700. The county’s proximity to Abilene and its diversified economy support long‑term property appreciation. These factors make Jones County’s tax sales appealing for investors seeking high returns with manageable risk.

Auction Process for Tax Deed Sales

Jones County follows the Texas rules for tax sales. Sales must occur on the first Tuesday of the month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. Jones County often schedules its auction at 2 p.m. at the courthouse. The sheriff or constable calls each property in the order listed in the notice. Bidders respond with oral bids.

How the Auction Works

1. Review the sale notice. A few weeks before the sale, the law firm Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott (PBFCM) posts a list of properties with opening bids. The starting bid is the lesser of the taxes, penalties, interest and costs or the appraised value.
   
2. Register and sign in. Jones County does not usually require advance registration, but bidders must sign in before the auction and may need to present a no‑tax‑due statement from the tax assessor’s office.
   
3. Bid in cash. The auctioneer accepts oral bids. The highest bidder must pay cash or a cashier’s check on the day of the sale. No credit or financing is allowed.
   
4. Receive the deed. After full payment, the sheriff issues a deed without warranty. The deed is recorded with the county clerk, and the redemption period begins.
   

Wait out redemption. The former owner can redeem within 180 days (two years for homestead or agricultural property). If the owner redeems, they must pay the bid plus the 25–50 percent premium.

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns on Jones County Redeemable Deeds

Investors often ask about the return on Texas tax deeds. The redemption premium provides the main profit. During the first six months after the sale, the owner must pay 25 percent of the purchase price to redeem. That means a $5,000 bid yields a $1,250 profit if redeemed within six months. If the property is a homestead or agricultural tract and the owner redeems between months 7 and 24, the investor earns 50 percent, or $2,500 on a $5,000 bid. Unlike many states, Texas does not prorate this premium; any redemption triggers the full percentage. If redemption never occurs, the investor owns the property free of tax liens. Returns can therefore range from a generous interest‑like premium to full ownership of a property purchased for the amount of back taxes.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

Texas tax deed sales are open to both local and international investors. The law does not require residency. Anyone over 18 who brings acceptable payment and complies with registration rules may bid. International investors should contact the Jones County tax office ahead of time to confirm identification requirements and to arrange for cashier’s checks in U.S. dollars. Due diligence is especially important for foreign buyers unfamiliar with local real estate practices. Jones County has seen increased interest from investors outside the area because of its high redemption premiums and affordable property values. The county welcomes outside capital as long as bidders follow the rules and pay delinquent taxes on time.

What Due Diligence Entails

Steps for Research

1. Confirm property location. Sale notices list legal descriptions, but they may not include a street address. Use maps, county appraisal records and the county clerk’s plat books to find the property.
   
2. Inspect the property. Drive by the site to assess condition and occupancy. Do not trespass. Note whether there are structures, whether the land is accessible and whether utilities are available.
   
3. Check title and liens. Tax deeds do not clear all liens. Investors should search for mortgages, federal tax liens, or municipal liens that could survive the sale. Consulting a title company or real estate attorney can prevent costly surprises.
   
4. Verify zoning and use. Ensure the property’s zoning matches your plans. Agricultural or residential designations may affect redemption periods and future use.
   
5. Budget for taxes and fees. The opening bid covers delinquent taxes, but buyers are responsible for any taxes that accrue after judgment.
   

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Failing to research property may lead to poor outcomes. You could buy landlocked parcels, properties with environmental contamination or buildings slated for demolition. Unknown liens may wipe out profit. Occupied homes may require eviction proceedings. Redemptions are rare but possible; if they occur late in the period you may earn the premium but not acquire the property. Careful due diligence reduces these risks and helps investors make informed bids.

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Liens/Deeds in Jones County

Jones County strikes off property that receives no bids at auction. These over‑the‑counter (OTC) parcels become jointly owned by the taxing units and can be resold at a later date. Buyers can acquire them directly from the taxing units without bidding.

How to Purchase OTC Liens/Deeds

Contact the Jones County appraisal district or the law firm handling the tax suits. Request a list of struck‑off property. Submit a written offer equal to or higher than the minimum set by the taxing units, then pay in full by cashier’s check. The commissioners court must approve the sale before the deed is issued. This process can take several weeks.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

OTC deeds offer several benefits. There is no bidding competition, giving buyers time to research each parcel thoroughly. Prices are often lower than those at open auctions because buyers negotiate directly with the county. Investors can pick and choose properties that fit their strategy. Additionally, OTC deeds carry the same redemption premium if the former owner redeems during the statutory period.

Why Jones County Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Jones County’s economy blends agriculture, energy and small manufacturing. The county is near Abilene and is crossed by major highways, making its location strategic for commerce. Property taxes fund schools and local services but remain moderate compared with urban areas. The redemption premium of 25–50 percent ensures that investors earn solid returns if owners redeem. The short six‑month redemption period on non‑homestead property lets investors secure deeds quickly.

Real Estate Market Overview

Housing in Jones County is very affordable. The median home value is $92,700, and the median rent is $938. About 81 % of residents are homeowners, which indicates a stable housing market. These low prices mean that opening bids at tax sales are often modest, giving investors a good chance to acquire property below market value. Properties near Abilene or along major highways may appreciate as the metro area grows.

Conclusion

Jones County’s redeemable tax deed sales offer a blend of high potential returns and manageable risk. Auctions occur on the first Tuesday of each month at the courthouse, with opening bids often equal to the back taxes. Investors can earn a 25–50 percent redemption premium or secure a deed to property valued at $92,700 on average. The county’s history, low cost of living and strategic location add to the appeal. However, success requires careful due diligence—checking property condition, title, and liens before bidding. With research and preparation, investors can take advantage of Jones County’s tax sales to build wealth while supporting local government revenue.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early and verify information. Sign in before the auction starts, and bring multiple cashier’s checks in various denominations to cover different bid amounts.
  
• Carry proof of no delinquent taxes. Some counties require a certificate from the tax assessor stating you do not owe taxes.
  
• Research each property’s legal description. Legal descriptions are the basis for sale; confirm that you understand what you are bidding on.
  
• Inspect properties from the street. Drive by ahead of time to spot structural problems or occupancy. Do not assume a property is vacant.
  
• Network with locals. Speak with county officials and local investors to learn about common issues, post‑sale procedures and quiet title actions.
  

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get clear title to a Jones County tax deed?
The sheriff’s deed conveys ownership immediately, but it does not guarantee clear title. Investors often file a quiet title action after the redemption period expires. This court process can take several months but is essential if you plan to sell or finance the property.

2. Can I finance a purchase at the auction?
No. Jones County requires bidders to pay with cash or cashier’s checks at the sale. You cannot use credit or obtain bank financing on site, but you may arrange funds beforehand.

3. What happens to liens not listed in the judgment?
The tax deed wipes out property tax liens included in the suit. However, post‑judgment taxes and some liens—such as federal tax liens, certain municipal liens or homeowner association liens—may survive. Investors should perform a thorough title search before bidding.

4. Do I have to evict occupants after I purchase the deed?
If a property is occupied, you have immediate right to possession once you receive the deed. You may negotiate a lease or begin eviction proceedings according to Texas law. Always consult an attorney before taking action.

5. Is there a way to buy tax deeds before the auction?
Jones County does not sell properties before the auction. Unsold parcels become struck‑off and may later be sold over the counter. Contact the appraisal district or PBFCM for lists of these properties and their purchase process.

Useful Links

• Auction Calendar
• How to Profit from Texas’s Redeemable Deeds
• Let’s talk about redeemable tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Learn How to maximize profits at the Texas Tax Sales

Need a hand?

Jones County auctions are approaching—are you ready? Visit our Auction Calendar today and see what’s coming. Use our free resources to get started the right way, and if you want advice tailored to your goals, just book a call and we’ll be there to assist.

Sign up or log in to view the full content.

Free help available

Get a Tax Deed in the next 30 days

Need a hand on your first deal at up to 90% off? Book a free call and we’ll guide you step by step.

Auction
Calendar Book a free
call Free
resources

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