Marion County, Arkansas Tax Deed Sales

People looking to invest in real estate in Arkansas often hear about tax lien certificates and tax deed auctions. Instead of selling tax lien certificates like some states, Arkansas sells the actual deed to the property when taxes are unpaid. Marion County has an auction organized by the Commissioner of State Lands. Understanding how this auction works is important for making smart investment choices..

Overview of Arkansas tax‑deed investing

Arkansas has a unique way of handling property taxes. If someone doesn’t pay their property taxes for two years, the county tells the Commissioner of State Lands. After this, anyone can buy back the property until 4 p.m. Central Time, the day before an auction. If they miss that time, the state sells it at a public auction. The new owner gets a limited warranty deed. After the auction, the original owner cannot get the property back. Auctions are held between July and October in different cities. For example, Marion County’s auction in 2025 is planned for early September. If some properties don’t sell at the auction, they will be listed online later for people to bid on.

Important details at a glance

Topic	Marion County 2025 Details
Sale type	Tax deed sale (no tax-lien certificates)
Typical sale date	Once a year, July–October.
Auction time & zone	10:00 AM Central Time (CT)
Registration required?	Yes, on-site the day of sale. Opens 30 minutes before start with driver’s license. No fee.
Registration period	30 minutes before start until bidding begins
Auction location	Signature Bank Community Room – Sides A & B, 303 N Main Street, Harrison, AR (cosl.org)
Redemption period	Until 4:00 PM CT the last business day before the sale; no redemption after auction begins
Bid procedure	Parcels in catalog order. Minimum bid = delinquent taxes + fees. Oral bidding; highest bidder wins and pays in full.
Payment terms	Full payment due immediately. Personal/business check, cashier’s check, money order, or card (if Wi-Fi). No cash.
Deposit requirement	None for live auctions. Online post-auction: first $100 of each winning bid charged to card as earnest money.
Deed & litigation period	COSL issues a limited warranty deed. Wait 90 days before major improvements (litigation period).
Contact for information	Commissioner of State Lands, Real Estate Division, 7003 Valley Ranch Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223. Phone: 501-324-9422. Email: [email protected]

Additional Arkansas highlights

Arkansas is a tax-deed state. This means when people buy property at auction, they get the deed, but they need to fix the title to prove full ownership. After the property is sold, the previous owner cannot get it back. Buyers can pay with checks or cards, but cash isn’t accepted. If a property doesn’t sell at the live auction, it can be bought online later for a $100 deposit.

The state is famous for its beautiful hills, mountains, and rivers. About 3.1 million people live in Arkansas, making it the 34th most populated state. It has a variety of jobs in agriculture, retail, and logistics. Big companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods are here. Affordable land and a stable economy attract real estate buyers. Here are some fun facts. The Buffalo National River was the first national river in the U.S. It flows freely for 135 miles and draws over 800,000 visitors each year for kayaking and hiking. The area is also known for great trout fishing.

 Marion County is in north-central Arkansas near the Ozark Mountains. People in this area enjoy activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and exploring historic towns. Harrison is easy to reach by road and has an airport nearby. 

The local economy is based on agriculture, small manufacturing, retail, and tourism. People appreciate outdoor activities and community events, and there’s a friendly atmosphere in Marion County.

Why Marion County and Arkansas are attractive for tax‑deed investors

When are Marion County tax sales held?

The COSL schedules live auctions by region once a year between July and October. Marion County typically falls in early September. In 2025 the sale date is set for Wednesday, 3 September at 10:00 AM CT in Harrison cosl.org. Dates vary each year, so investors should check the COSL catalog each spring when the schedule is released (usually in May).

What makes tax‑deed investing appealing?

Buying tax‑delinquent property can offer high returns because bidders purchase land for the amount of back taxes and fees. Marion County parcels often have minimum bids below market value. When a purchaser receives the limited warranty deed, they can resell, develop or hold the property. Unlike tax‑lien certificates, there is no fixed interest rate; the gain comes from the property’s appreciation or rental income.

How does the bidding work?

1. Review the catalog. The COSL publishes a list of parcels with legal descriptions and minimum bids.
   
2. Register on site. Arrive at least 30 minutes early with a government‑issued ID to receive a bid card.
   
3. Bid orally. Each parcel is offered in order. Bidding starts at the delinquent tax amount and increases until no higher bids are received.
   
4. Pay immediately. The highest bidder pays the full amount on site. Personal/business checks, cashier’s checks, money orders or credit/debit cards are accepted (subject to card fees). Cash is not accepted.
   
5. Receive your deed. After payment clears, the COSL records a limited warranty deed. Wait 90 days before making improvements.
   

What about the redemption period?

The original owner or any interested party may redeem a property until 4 p.m. CT on the last business day before the auction. Redemption requires payment of all taxes, penalties, interest and costs. No redemption is allowed on the sale date or afterward. Owners who redeem in the last 30 days must use certified funds. Because there is no redemption after the sale, investors gain clear possession (subject to quiet‑title action) once they receive the deed.

Are foreign investors allowed?

The COSL rules prohibit bidders whose home of record is outside the United States. U.S. citizens and entities may bid regardless of their state of residence. International investors interested in Arkansas should consider forming a U.S. entity and consulting legal counsel.

How does the post‑auction sale work?

Properties that do not sell at the live auction move to an online post‑auction sale after 30 days. Investors register at auction.cosl.org, complete an identity check, and place bids. When a bid is successful, we charge the first $100 as earnest money to the bidder’s credit cardThe balance is due by certified funds within 10 business days. If you do not receive payment, you forfeit the $100 deposit, and we may bar you from future sales.

How long is the litigation period?

After the sale, you have a 90-day period during which you can challenge the tax deed. During this time, a former owner or interested party could file suit alleging improper notice or other defects. Investors should avoid making major improvements until the litigation period expires. If a sale is voided, the COSL refunds the purchase price but not credit‑card fees.

Do I need to perform due diligence?

Absolutely. The COSL sells property as‑is and does not guarantee access, usability or clear title. Investors should:

• Research the legal description and locate the parcel using county GIS maps or DataScoutPro (linked in the catalog).
  
• Check for municipal liens or improvement district assessments, which may survive the sale.
  
• Visit the property to verify its condition and ensure it is accessible.
  
• Consult a title company or attorney to determine whether a quiet‑title action is advisable.
  

Skipping research can lead to costly mistakes, such as buying landlocked parcels or properties with environmental issues.

Why invest in Marion County’s tax deeds?

• Low entry costs: Minimum bids often reflect only back taxes and fees, allowing investors to acquire real estate for a fraction of market value.
  
• Potential for high returns: Reselling or renting a property that you purchase at a tax sale can yield significant profits in Arkansas because the state does not impose a statutory interest rate. Your return directly correlates to the property’s value.
  
• Stable real estate market: Arkansas experiences modest but steady growth; the state’s population has increased to about 3.1 million, and the economy’s mix of agriculture, logistics and retail creates resilience.
  
• Favorable regulations: Auctions are open to all U.S. residents; there is no lengthy redemption period; and post‑auction sales provide additional opportunities.
  
• Opportunity to serve communities: Buying and rehabilitating delinquent properties can return them to productive use, reduce blight and support local tax revenues.
  

Limitations and risks

Investors must consider risks such as unclear titles, unknown property conditions, surviving municipal liens and the possibility of legal challenges. Conducting proper due diligence, budgeting for legal fees and maintaining patience during the litigation period help mitigate these risks.

Pro tips for Marion County tax‑deed investors

• Arrive early: Registration opens 30 minutes before the auction; arriving early ensures you obtain a bid card and can review any last‑minute announcements.
  
• Bring the right payment: Have a personal or business check, cashier’s check, money order or debit/credit card ready. Cash is not accepted.
  
• Verify parcel location: Use county assessor maps or DataScoutPro to verify boundaries, access and zoning.
  
• Check for liens: Contact the county circuit clerk and tax collector to identify any municipal liens or improvement district assessments that may survive the sale.
  

Conclusion

Marion County has a tax-deed auction where you can buy real estate for less money. This helps get rid of unpaid taxes. Anyone in the U.S. can join these auctions, and once you buy, there’s no waiting time. You get the property right away, which is faster than in many other states. 

To do well, you need to do your research. Make sure to check where the property is located. Look for any old debts on it. You should also plan for any costs involved in claiming the property. With careful planning, investing in Arkansas tax deeds can be a good chance to make money and help improve the community.

FAQs about Arkansas tax‑deed sales

How often are tax auctions held in Arkansas?

Each county conducts one live auction per year between July and October. Unsold parcels are offered online throughout the year in post‑auction sales.

Do I need to pre‑register?

For live auctions, registration is done on site; no pre‑registration is required. For post‑auction sales, bidders must create an account, verify their identity and place a payment method on file.

What happens if I win a bid but cannot pay?

Failure to pay the full amount at the live auction will result in the sale being cancelled and may bar you from future auctions. In the online sale, the $100 earnest money is forfeited and the bidder may be blocked.

Can the former owner redeem the property after the sale?

No. Redemption is allowed only until 4 p.m. on the last business day before the auction. After the sale, the buyer receives a limited warranty deed and the prior owner’s right to redeem ends.

What is a limited warranty deed?

A limited warranty deed conveys the state’s interest in the property but does not guarantee clear title. Investors often file a quiet‑title action to obtain marketable title.

Where can I find information on upcoming auctions?

Visit the Public Auction Catalog and View Next Auction sections of the COSL website to see dates, locations and parcels For unsold parcels, search auction.cosl.org. Local newspapers also publish notice of sales.

Useful links

• Marion 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?

Marion County has tax-sale auctions listed right now. Visit our Auction Calendar to explore the listings. Don’t forget to check out our free resources to build your knowledge, and when you’re ready, Book a free call to speak with someone who can help you navigate the path.

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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