What You Need to Know About Boone County Arkansas Tax Deed Sales

Introduction

Boone County is in the Ozark Mountains in northern Arkansas. It has beautiful valleys and hills, and a town called Harrison that has a lot of history. This county is a great place for outdoor fun, like going to the Buffalo National River, where you can enjoy activities by the water..

Brief Overview of the County’s Tax Sale:
Boone County has a process for selling land when people don’t pay their property taxes. When taxes are not paid, the land goes to a special person called the Commissioner of State Lands, and then it can be sold at an auction. At a live auction, people who want to buy the land have to show up in person and bring a good ID so they can take part. They need to pay for the land on the same day of the auction. If no one buys the land at the auction, it will later be sold online.

Important details for Boone County tax sales

The Commissioner’s Public Auction Catalog lists detailed information about each county’s sale. Below is an overview of key facts for Boone County’s 2025 event and general rules.

Item	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed – buyer receives a limited warranty deed
Typical Sale Date	Once a year, July–October at 10:00 AM CT
Auction Time	10:00 AM CT
Registration	Required. Opens 30 mins before auction. No fee. Must show driver’s license and complete registration card
Registration Period	Closes once bidding starts. Online sales require account setup + ID verification
Location	Varies yearly. Example: Signature Bank Community Room, 303 N Main St, Harrison (near courthouse)
Redemption	Allowed until 4 PM the day before auction. No redemption after sale
Minimum Bid / Deposit	Minimum = taxes, penalties, interest, costs. No deposit for live sales. Online: $100 deposit, balance due in 10 business days
Bidding	Oral, catalog order. Auctioneer starts at minimum. Highest bid wins. Full payment due immediately by check, money order, cashier’s check, or card (fee applies)
Terms of Sale	Limited warranty deed. Title insurance may require quiet title. 90-day litigation period applies
Contact	COSL Real Estate Division: 501-324-9422, [email protected]. Boone County Collector for local info

Arkansas facts & investing potential

Arkansas is known as the “Natural State” because it has many beautiful places. There are tall mountains in the north and west, like the Ozark and Ouachita mountains. In the eastern part, there is lots of good farmland in the Mississippi Delta. 

In 2020, the census showed that about 3 million people live in Arkansas, making it the 33rd biggest state for people. The state is also 29th largest when we look at its size. From 2010 to 2022, the number of people went up from about 2.92 million to 3.05 million. Even though the growth is not super fast, it is steady, and many people like to move to Arkansas because it has a low cost of living, which is good for retirees and people who work from home.

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Attractions and economic highlights

• Natural beauty and outdoor recreation: Boone County’s seat, Harrison, sits near the Buffalo National River (America’s first national river), offering canoeing, fishing and hiking. The Ozark Mountains provide caves, trails and scenic drives. Lake Harrison and Crooked Creek are local fishing spots.
  
• Transportation infrastructure: U.S. Highway 65 and Arkansas Highway 7 intersect in Harrison, connecting the county to Springfield, Missouri and Little Rock. The Boone County Regional Airport offers general aviation services, and the nearest commercial airports are in Branson, Missouri and Springfield. The county is also within a couple hours’ drive of Interstates 40 and 44, making travel easy for investors visiting properties.
  
• Economic development: Boone County’s economy includes manufacturing, retail and tourism. National retailers such as Walmart were founded in Arkansas; the state also produces agricultural commodities like rice, soybeans and poultry. Tourism is growing due to the Buffalo River and Ozark National Forest. A stable economy helps maintain property values.
  

Fun facts about Arkansas

• Housing prices in Boone County are typically below national averages, attracting retirees, first-time homebuyers and investors seeking rental properties.
  
• The presence of small town amenities and natural attractions supports a steady demand for vacation rentals and recreational land.
  
• Boone County’s real estate inventory often includes large plots of wooded land, appealing to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
  

Attractions and Economic Highlights:

• Outdoor Activities: Nearby attractions include the Buffalo National River for canoeing and fishing, and the Ozark National Forest for hiking and camping.
  
• Transportation: U.S. Highway 65 runs north-south through the county, connecting to Missouri and Central Arkansas. Boone County Regional Airport serves general aviation.
  
• Economic Base: Tourism, agriculture and light manufacturing form the backbone of the local economy, with growing interest in eco-tourism and small business development.
  
• Community Appeal: Harrison hosts community events, live music venues, historic downtown shopping and a strong arts scene, making it an appealing place for families and retirees.
  

Why Boone County is ideal for tax‑deed investors

Boone County combines scenic beauty with accessible real estate prices. Many parcels offered at tax sale are rural lots or acreage, which can be purchased for a fraction of their market value. The county’s moderate population and growing tourism industry support long‑term appreciation. Some investors buy lots near the Buffalo River for recreational or vacation‑rental purposes; others acquire residential lots in Harrison or surrounding communities. Because Arkansas issues tax deeds rather than liens, buyers obtain ownership (subject to liens or encumbrances) and can eventually use or sell the property.

High returns with manageable risk

Investors often target Arkansas tax sales because the minimum bid equals the delinquent taxes and fees. Many parcels sell near this amount, providing a chance to acquire property at a steep discount. Compared with tax‑lien states where investors receive interest payments but not ownership, Arkansas offers the potential for larger gains if the property’s market value is substantially higher than the taxes owed. The risk is also higher because buyers assume responsibility for clearing title and paying any surviving liens or assessments. Following due diligence and paying to quiet the title, investors can resell or develop the property, sometimes realizing returns well above their initial investment.

Auction process for Boone County tax‑deed sales

 1. Certification & Pre-Sale Notice:

If someone doesn’t pay their property taxes for two years, their parcel of land becomes delinquent. The county collector gets a list of these parcels and shares it in local newspapers and sends letters to the owners. Owners can get their property back by paying all the overdue taxes and fees before 4 p.m. on the last business day before the auction.

2. Registration:

On the day of the auction, people who want to bid on the parcels need to show up and sign up. Registration starts 30 minutes before the auction begins, and you need to have a driver’s license. There’s no fee to register, and you don’t need to pay any money upfront for live auctions. If you want to bid online, you need to create an account on a specific website and make sure your identity is verified.

3. Bidding:

During the auction, the auctioneer will call out the parcels one by one. Bidding starts at the lowest amount (which includes the unpaid taxes and costs). People raise their paddles to offer higher amounts. Once the auctioneer says “sold,” the highest bidder has made a real agreement to buy the parcel. For parcels that aren’t sold right away online, people can place bids for 30 days, and the highest bid wins at the end.

4. Payment:

If you win the bid, you need to pay right away. You can pay with a personal or business check, cashier’s check, money order, or a credit/debit card (but there is a small extra fee). Cash can’t be used. For online auctions, the remaining amount (after paying a $100 deposit) should be paid within 10 business days.

5. Limited Warranty Deed & Litigation Period:

After you pay, the county records a special document that shows you now own the property. There is a 90-day period where the previous owner or other interested people can challenge or argue against the sale. After this time is over, you can take steps to fully claim your ownership of the property.

Maximum potential returns

In Arkansas, instead of selling something called a lien, they sell tax deeds. This means the interest rates can change and aren’t the same for everyone. When someone buys a piece of land, how much money they might make later depends on the price they paid for it and how much the land is worth once they take care of it.

For example, some pieces of land have sold for less than $1,000, but similar pieces in the area could cost between $5,000 and $10,000. If a person buys a piece of land, makes it nice, and then sells it for a higher price, they can make a good profit.

Land near places like the Buffalo National River or in neighborhoods that are growing can become worth more money as more people visit or want to live there..

Open to all (U.S.) investors

Arkansas allows people from the U.S. and those who live here legally to buy land at tax sales. However, people from other countries can’t buy land there. You don’t have to live in Arkansas to bid; many buyers come from other states looking for cheap land. 

If you want to join a live auction, you need to be there in person or have someone with permission to bid for you. There are also online auctions, but you still have to pay using U.S. money.

Understanding the tax‑sale process step‑by‑step

1. Research Properties – Look at the auction catalog to find land you might want to buy. You can click on a link to see maps and information about the land’s price.

2. Do Your Homework – Make sure you know where the land is by looking at maps. If you can, visit the property to see it in person. Check for any problems like unpaid taxes or fees that might come with it. It’s important to check with local county offices for information. Remember, money spent on checking these things won’t be given back.

3. Check Zoning and Access – Find out if the land has a legal way to get to it, and if it is in a safe area. Make sure it’s okay to build on it or if there are any rules that could stop you.

4. Plan for Extra Costs – After you buy the land, you’ll need to pay for taxes, any leftover debts, or necessary actions to clear the title. Sometimes, you can’t get title insurance until you fix these problems.

5. Join the Auction or Bid Online – Make sure to have your ID and money ready if you go to the auction. If you bid online, you need to prove who you are and place your bids carefully.

6. Keep or Sell the Property – Once you own the land and everything is cleared up, decide whether you want to build on it, rent it out, or sell it. If you plan to keep it for a long time, think about getting help to manage it.

Risks of skipping due diligence

Hidden Bills: Sometimes, when you buy a piece of land, there are extra bills that come with it, like taxes from the city or fees for neighborhood associations. If you buy the land, you have to pay these extra bills.

Getting to the Land: Some pieces of land might be tricky to reach or could even be underwater. The city doesn’t promise that you can easily get to the land or that it’s in good shape.

Pollution Problems: In some country areas, there might be trash or messes on the land that could be harmful. It’s smart to check the land first or look for reports to make sure it’s safe.

 Money and Time to Prove Ownership: If you want to be sure you really own the property, you might need to spend money on a lawyer and pay court fees. If you don’t do this, it could be hard to sell the land or borrow money to buy it.

Buying over‑the‑counter (OTC) liens/deeds in Boone County

When some properties don’t sell in a live auction, they go on a special list called the Unsold-Property Auction list 30 days after the auction ends. You can only buy these properties using the COSL’s online auction website. Here’s how it works:

1. Online Listing: After someone places the first bid, that property stays open for 30 days. Other people can place their bids during that time, and at the end, the highest bid wins.

2. Earnest Money: If you win the auction, a $100 deposit (or the full price if it’s less than $100) will be taken from your card. You need to pay the rest of the money in 10 business days using a special payment method.
3.  Reserve Bid Amounts: For the first two years, the starting price (reserve bid) is equal to the unpaid taxes and fees on the property. After that, the Commissioner can lower this price to help sell the property. If you buy a property, you will still get a special deed showing you own it.

OTC purchases allow investors to acquire property without the competition of a live auction. However, due diligence remains essential.

Why invest in Boone County?

Boone County’s scenic environment, modest population growth and tourism‑driven economy make it an attractive location for investors seeking recreational or residential property. Land near the Buffalo National River appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and could be developed for cabins or campgrounds. Harrison offers a stable housing market with affordable prices compared with larger cities. Purchasing tax‑deed property here may provide long‑term appreciation and potential rental income.

Conclusion

Boone County, Arkansas, is a place where people can buy land or homes for much less money than what they usually cost. This happens at special events called tax-deed auctions. To be ready for these events, you should do a little homework: look up information about the property, make sure there aren’t too many bills or rules that could be a problem, and have your money ready to pay. 

The next auction will happen on September 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Signature Bank Community Room in Harrison. It’s important to know that once you buy a property in these auctions, you can’t return it or change your mind. So, only bid on properties that you really understand. If you are careful, buying properties this way can be a good way to make money and add some interesting places to own!

Pro tips for bidders

1. Look at the COSL catalog early. Check the list of properties a few weeks before to find ones you like. Use the DataScout links to see maps and info about the properties.

2. Visit the property. Going to see the property in person can help you find any problems, like how to get there or what the area is like.

3. Check for liens and taxes. Talk to the county office to find out if there are any unpaid bills on the property that might still need to be paid.

4. Plan for legal fees. Think about how much money you might need to spend on lawyers when deciding if the property is a good deal.

5. Bring the right payment. You can use personal or business checks and credit cards, but not cash. If you use a card, there might be an extra fee.

6. Get there early. Registration starts 30 minutes before the sale, and there might not be enough seats for everyone.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

When are Boone County tax sales held? 

In Arkansas, tax sales are conducted once a year between July and October. The County Office of Sales and Land (COSL) announces the specific dates around May.

Do I need to register to bid? 

Yes, registration is required and begins 30 minutes before the auction at the sale site. You will need a driver’s license, and there is no registration fee. For online auctions, you will need to create an account and verify your identity.

What is the minimum bid? 

The minimum bid is the total of the delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and costs owed on the parcel. Competitive bidding may raise the final price.

How do I pay for a winning bid? 

Payment is due immediately after the auction. Acceptable payment methods include personal or business checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards (subject to a processing fee). Cash is not accepted at boonecollector.org.

Can the owner redeem the property after I purchase it? 

No, as of July 1, 2023, parcels sold through the COSL cannot be redeemed. Property owners may redeem their parcels only until 4 p.m. on the last business day before the sale, according to boonecollector.org.

Where can I find updates and parcel lists? 

For the public auction catalog, visit cosl.org/Home/Contents. For the online post-auction sale, check auction.cosl.org. Local newspapers also publish notices, and the Boone County Collector’s site provides details on tax payments.

Useful link

• Boone 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?

Boone County’s tax-sale auctions are worth a closer look. Check the Auction Calendar to see what’s scheduled. Browse our free resources to better understand the process, and if you want personalized help, Book a free call with one of our experts is just a click away.

Interested in Faulkner County investing? Check out our Auction Calendar to find your next property. Book a free call or access our free resources to start building your tax deed strategy today.

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