Madison County, Arkansas Tax Deed Sale Guide for 2025

Madison County, Arkansas, is tucked in the Ozark Mountains and offers a mix of rural charm, affordable land, and growing interest from real estate investors. Known for its small-town atmosphere and scenic beauty, this county attracts both locals and newcomers who see value in its properties and lifestyle. For investors, tax deed sales in Madison County create opportunities to purchase property below market rates while contributing to the local economy.

Overview of Madison County’s Tax Sale

Madison County tax-delinquent properties are handled through the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands. The county’s 2025 sale will be held on August 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CST, at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center in Eureka Springs. Like all Arkansas sales, it follows the tax deed model—winning bidders receive a limited warranty deed, giving them ownership rights once the redemption period closes. Registration starts 30 minutes before the auction, and bidders must be ready to pay in full by check, card, or certified funds.

Important details for Madison County

Item	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax deed – limited warranty deed, sold “as is.” Highest bid wins
Sale Date/Time	August 21, 2025 – 10:00 AM CT (joint with Carroll County)
Registration	Required onsite. Show photo ID, get bid card. Opens 9:00 AM, closes at bidding start. Online sales require account + ID verification
Location	Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center – Walnut Room, 207 W Van Buren, Eureka Springs
Redemption	Owners may redeem until 4 PM prior business day. No redemption after auction
Bidding/Terms	Starts at taxes + fees. Oral bids; highest bid wins. Payment due immediately (check, money order, card – no cash)
Deposit	None at live auctions. Online post-auction: $100 deposit, balance in 10 days (certified funds)
Contact	COSL: 501-324-9422 • [email protected] • Office: 7003 Valley Ranch Dr, Little Rock, AR
Updates	COSL Public Auction Catalog (cosl.org). Schedule announced in May; notices in local papers

What makes Arkansas a unique tax deed state?

Arkansas’s tax deed system offers several advantages for investors:

• Short redemption window – Owners must pay all taxes by 4 p.m. the day before the sale; after the auction the sale is final. Investors therefore obtain the property quickly rather than waiting through a long redemption period.
  
• Regional auctions – Starting in 2023, the COSL holds regional auctions that combine several counties at one location. This makes it easier for bidders to attend fewer events.
  
• Low cost of entry – Minimum bids are often modest because they represent only the delinquent taxes and fees; some parcels sell for a few hundred dollars.
  
• No interest rate – Arkansas is a deed state, so investors are buying actual property rather than earning interest on a lien. Returns come from resale or development rather than interest payments.
  
• Post‑auction sales – Unsold parcels are listed on the COSL online platform 30 days after the live auction. Bidders anywhere in the U.S. can buy these over‑the‑counter properties.
  

Fun Facts About the County’s Real Estate Market

• Madison County had a population of about 17,865 in 2024, showing steady growthen.wikipedia.org.
  
• The county is known for affordable acreage and farmland, often drawing buyers from neighboring Washington and Benton Counties.
  
• Unlike fast-paced urban markets, Madison properties often include large tracts of land and homesteads—appealing to investors seeking long-term rural rentals or land appreciation.
  

Why Madison County is attractive for tax deed investors

1. Growing population and housing demand. Madison County’s population has increased roughly 26 percent since 2000. Growth in northwest Arkansas, fueled by employers like Walmart and Tyson Foods, has pushed demand for housing beyond Benton and Washington counties into Madison County. Investors can acquire lots or structures at tax sale prices and resell them or rent them out.
   
2. Affordable properties. Because minimum bids equal delinquent taxes, many parcels start under $1,000. In the 2023 auction, several Madison County lots sold for a few hundred dollars. This low barrier lets investors diversify across multiple properties.
   
3. Natural and recreational appeal. The county lies within the Ozark Mountains, offering access to rivers, hiking trails and historic Eureka Springs. Properties near outdoor attractions or the heritage town of Huntsville may attract tourists or retirees seeking second homes.
   
4. No redemption after sale. Arkansas’s short redemption period means investors gain possession quickly. Unlike states with long redemption windows, buyers can renovate or sell without waiting years.
   
5. Open to non‑residents. Bidders must be U.S. residents but do not need to live in Arkansas, allowing investors from other states to participate. The COSL’s online post‑auction platform enables remote purchases.
   

When are Madison County tax sales held?

Question: When is the Madison County tax sale?

Answer (50–80 words): Madison County joins Carroll County in a regional auction each year. For 2025 the sale is scheduled on August 21 at 10 a.m. Central Time at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center – Walnut Room in Eureka Springs. Live auctions usually occur between July and October; the COSL announces the schedule around May.

How does registration work?

Question: Do I have to register to bid? When does registration open and close?

Answer: Yes. For live sales you must register in person and present a valid driver’s license. Registration opens one hour before the auction (9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. sale) and closes once the auction starts. No bids are accepted without a numbered bid card. For online post‑auction sales, create an account on the COSL site, verify your identity and provide credit/debit card details before bidding.

Where is the auction held?

Question: What is the venue for Madison County’s tax sale?

Answer: The regional auction for Carroll and Madison counties is held at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center – Walnut Room, 207 W Van Buren, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The venue offers ample seating and parking. Check the COSL website before traveling because locations may change from year to year.

How long is the redemption period?

Question: How much time do owners have to redeem their property?

Answer: Arkansas eliminated post‑sale redemptions in 2023. Owners must redeem by 4 p.m. on the last business day before the sale. Once the auction begins, parcels cannot be redeemed and all sales are final. After purchase there is a 90‑day litigation period during which interested parties may challenge the sale; investors should avoid major improvements until this period passes.

How does bidding work and what are the terms of sale?

• Minimum bid: The starting bid equals the delinquent taxes, penalties and fees.
  
• Bidding process: The auctioneer calls parcels in catalogue order. Bidders raise their numbered cards to place bids. The highest bid meeting or exceeding the minimum wins.
  
• Payment: Full payment is due immediately after the sale. Acceptable methods include personal or business check or credit/debit card; cash is not accepted. Online post‑auction buyers pay a US$100 earnest money deposit on their card, with the remainder due within 10 days.
  
• Title and closing: The COSL records a limited warranty deed. Buyers should budget for legal fees to quiet title (so the deed becomes marketable). Title insurance may be unavailable until after the 90‑day litigation period.
  

Pro tips for investing in Madison County tax deeds

1. Perform thorough due diligence. Use the parcel number to research maps, assessor records and potential liens. The COSL website links to the assessor’s property cards and provides instructions. Visit the property if possible to inspect its condition and access.
   
2. Check for additional liens. City liens, improvement district assessments and federal tax liens may survive the sale; consult title companies or county records before bidding.
   
3. Bring the right payment. Cash is not accepted. For live auctions bring a checkbook or a card with sufficient balance. Online buyers must ensure the earnest money charge clears or they will be barred from future auctions.
   
4. Arrive early. Registration opens at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. sale. Arrive early to register and ask last‑minute questions.
   
5. Follow state rules. Only U.S. residents may bid, and former owners or interested parties cannot purchase their own parcels. Successful bidders must pay in full; failure to pay may result in penalties or prohibition from future auctions.
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are tax deed sales risky?

Buying at tax deed auctions can offer high returns but also carries risk. You receive whatever interest the state held; liens such as municipal or federal tax liens might survive. Some parcels may have environmental issues or lack access. Always perform due diligence.

What happens if no one buys the property?

Parcels that do not sell at the live auction are listed in the COSL post‑auction portal 30 days later. You can buy them online with a US$100 deposit and pay the balance within 10 days. If still unsold, parcels may eventually be offered at negotiated prices.

Can I participate if I live out of state?

Yes, provided you are a U.S. resident. Non‑U.S. residents and former owners cannot bid. Online auctions make it easy for out‑of‑state investors to participate.

Do I need a broker or attorney?

Not to bid, but it is wise to consult an attorney or title company after purchase to quiet title. An attorney can file the quiet‑title action, removing clouds on the deed and making the property marketable.

Where can I get updates on future sales?

Visit the COSL Public Auction Catalog at The site posts the upcoming auction schedule (usually in May), the sale catalogue for each county and links to parcel maps. Local newspapers such as the Eureka Springs Times‑Echo also publish legal notices.

Useful links

• Madison 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! 

Conclusion

Madison County will have a tax deed sale, which is a good chance for people to buy cheap land in a growing part of Arkansas. The auction will happen on August 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Eureka Springs. You can sign up starting at 9 a.m. When you buy property this way, you own it completely, and there is no time to change your mind after the sale.  Madison County is getting more people and has nice places for outdoor activities, which makes it a good place to invest. Make sure to do your homework, follow the rules, and ask for help if you need it. If you want to learn more or get updates about future sales, visit the Commissioner of State Lands website or reach out to their office.

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