Mississippi County Arkansas Tax Deed Sale Guide: Dates, Processes & Investment Insights for 2025

Introduction

Introduction:
Mississippi County lies along the eastern edge of Arkansas, bordered by the Mississippi River. Historically agricultural, it has also become one of the nation’s leading steel-producing areas, combining rural landscapes with industrial growth.

Brief Overview of the County’s Tax Sale:
Mississippi County’s tax sales are administered under Arkansas’s statewide rules. Parcels with delinquent taxes are auctioned as tax deeds. The county participates in regional sales, requiring bidders to register on-site. Successful bidders receive limited warranty deeds and must handle any remaining title issues. No redemption is allowed once the sale concludes.

Mississippi County sale details at a glance

Item	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed – buyer purchases property and receives a limited warranty deed
Sale Period	Once a year (July–Oct). Mississippi County
Auction Time	10:00 AM CT
Registration	Required. Opens 30 mins before auction (ID needed, no fee). Online: create account + ID verification
Venue	Hilton Garden Inn – Ballroom, 2840 S Caraway Dr, Jonesboro (hosts multiple counties)
Redemption	None after sale. Owners can redeem only until 4 PM the day before auction. Buyer subject to 90-day litigation period
Minimum Bid / Deposit	Minimum = taxes + costs. No deposit for live sales. Online: $100 deposit, balance due in 10 business days
Bidding	Auctioneer starts at minimum bid, parcels sold in catalog order. Highest bid wins
Terms of Sale	Limited warranty deed. Title insurance may need quiet-title action. 90-day litigation period after recording
Contact	COSL Real Estate Division: 501-324-9422, [email protected]. Local info: Mississippi County Collector (mississippicountyar.org). Parcel lists: cosl.org / auction.cosl.org

Arkansas’s unique features for tax‑deed investing

Arkansas limits its tax sales to once a year, so investors have a single opportunity to acquire delinquent properties. Because parcels cannot be redeemed after the sale, winning bidders gain immediate rights, subject only to the 90‑day litigation period. Many parcels in rural counties like Mississippi County have low assessed values, resulting in modest minimum bids and potential for high appreciation. However, the limited warranty deed conveys only the state’s interest, so investors must budget for quiet‑title actions and possible liens. The state’s economy, low cost of living and natural beauty make holding property attractive, especially for those considering long‑term rental or recreational uses.

Fun facts about Mississippi County & Arkansas

• History and Name: Mississippi County was created on November 1, 1833, and named after the Mississippi River. It is the county farthest to the east in Arkansas, and the river runs along its eastern side.

• County Seats: This county has two main towns where the government offices are located: Blytheville and Osceola. 

• Population and Area: In 2020, about 40,685 people lived in the county. It covers around 920 square miles in total, with 901 square miles of land and 19 square miles of water.

• Transportation: Important roads in the county include Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 61, U.S. Highway 78, and Arkansas Highway 14. These roads help connect the county to nearby cities like Memphis and St. Louis.

• Steel Hub: In 1987, Nucor Steel opened a factory here, followed by U.S. Steel in 2014. Because of this, Mississippi County became one of the biggest places in America for making steel.

• Cultural Heritage: The county has some old places, like the Eaker Site and Sherman Mound, that show what life was like before European explorers arrived. The area also felt the big earthquake in 1812 called the New Madrid earthquake. Blytheville used to have a military base where they trained pilots to fly B-25 and B-52 airplanes.

• Geography: Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Manila is a special area for many birds and is great for birdwatching and fishing. The Mississippi River and other smaller waterways are good spots for hunting and catching fish.

Attractions and economic highlights

• Outdoor Fun: Mississippi County is a great place for people who love being outside. It’s part of the Mississippi Flyway, which means lots of birds stop here. People like to watch birds, go hunting, and fish. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Mississippi River are perfect for canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching. You can also take a nice drive on the Great River Road, which has beautiful views.

• History: Osceola has some cool old buildings to see, like the Mississippi County Courthouse, which was built in 1912. There are also signs that tell the story of blues music. In Blytheville, you can visit the Greyhound Bus Station Museum and the Ritz Civic Center, which has been fixed up nicely.

• Getting Around: There are good roads in Mississippi County. Interstate 55 runs straight through the county, making it easy to go to Memphis (about 60 miles away) or St. Louis (about 250 miles away). U.S. Highway 61 goes along the river and helps people get to little towns. Blytheville Municipal Airport is there for small planes.

• Jobs and Farming: Farming is still very important in the county. Farmers grow cotton, soybeans, corn, and rice. There are also big steel companies like Nucor and U.S. Steel that provide good jobs for people living there. The county is part of the Blytheville area, which helps keep the economy strong.

• Community Life: People in the county enjoy reasonable housing prices, fun local festivals like Great River Days in Osceola and Mayfest in Blytheville, and parks by the river. The county’s friendly feel and closeness to Memphis make it a nice place for retirees and people who work from home.

Why Mississippi County is ideal for tax‑deed investors

• Affordable Entry Point: Lots of empty pieces of land or simple houses don’t cost much money, sometimes starting at less than $1,000. This means that people can buy land or houses without needing a lot of money.

• Industrial Growth: The growing steel jobs bring more people to the area, which means more houses are needed. These workers might rent homes in nearby towns, which is a good chance for landlords to make money.

• Strategic Location: Being close to big roads and the Mississippi River makes moving things around easier. This makes land near these places good for storage or small businesses

• Recreation Potential: Land near parks or rivers can be great for fun activities like fishing, hunting, or nature tours for visitors.

How the tax auction works in Mississippi County

1. Look into the Land 

If you want to buy a piece of land, start by checking the auction list at cosl.org. You can click on a parcel number to see information about it, like maps and pictures. It’s a good idea to visit the land (or look at it using satellite images) to see what it looks like and if you can get there. Also, find out if there are any money problems tied to the land by asking at the circuit clerk’s office. It might help to talk to a lawyer to understand any issues with ownership.

2. Redeeming the Land 

The people who currently own the land can pay all their owed taxes and fees until 4 p.m. the day before the auction to keep it. Once that time passes, it will be sold to the person who bids the most money.

3. Signing Up 

On the day of the live auction, registration starts 30 minutes before it begins. You need to show your driver’s license to get a bidding number. There’s no fee to sign up for live auctions. For online auctions, you need to sign up in advance at auction.cosl.org, show a picture ID, and have a way to pay.

4. Bidding 

During the auction, the auctioneer will announce the land parcels in a specific order. Bidding starts at a low amount, which usually covers taxes and fees. If you want to bid higher, you just raise your paddle. What you say while bidding is very important. For online auctions, you can set a maximum amount you want to spend, and the system will automatically bid for you up to that amount. Online bidding lasts for 30 days and ends at 8 p.m. CT on the last day.

5. Paying 

If you win, you need to pay right away after the auction. You can pay with a personal or business check, cashier’s check, money order, or a credit/debit card. However, if you use a card, there’s an extra fee that you can’t get back. You can’t pay in cash. For online auctions, you pay a $100 deposit (or the full amount if it’s less than $100) when the auction ends, and the rest is due within 10 business days with certified money.

6. Getting the Deed 

After you pay, the COSL will send you a special paper (called a deed) showing you own the land. You will get this paper in the mail at your home. There’s a 90-day wait where previous owners or people with claims might challenge the sale. It’s smart not to make big changes to the land during this time. To make sure you fully own it, you might need to go to court for a quiet-title action.

Expected returns & investment strategies

In Arkansas, when you buy land, you own it instead of just having a promise to pay. There isn’t a set interest rate. People can make money by selling the land for more than they bought it or by renting it out.

Some buy land for $500 to $1,500 and sell it later for $3,000 to $5,000 after fixing it up. Others buy and fix small houses to rent to workers or students. Some land by rivers or lakes can be turned into fun places like cabins

To do well, it’s important to research and plan your costs carefully..

Foreign investor participation

In Arkansas, people or groups who live outside the United States cannot buy land at tax auctions. But, people from any state in the U.S. can bid on the land. If someone lives far away, they can either buy the land online later or ask someone local to help them bid.

Due diligence essentials & risks

Steps to perform due diligence

• Inspect the property: Confirm boundaries, access and condition. Use county GIS maps or visit the parcel.
  
• Check for liens and assessments: Contact the circuit clerk and municipal offices to identify city liens, improvement district assessments or federal tax liens that may survive the sale. Some liens transfer to the buyer.
  
• Review zoning restrictions: Determine whether the property is residential, agricultural or industrial. Consider floodplain status near the river.
  
• Estimate post‑sale costs: Budget for legal fees (quiet‑title action), survey costs, back taxes, title insurance and any cleanup or improvement expenses.
  

Risks of skipping due diligence

• Surviving obligations: Unpaid city utility bills, homeowner association fees or improvement district assessments could become your responsibility.
  
• Access issues: Landlocked parcels or those within drainage ditches may have limited use.
  
• Environmental concerns: Properties near industrial sites may have contamination. Investigate before purchasing.
  
• Market demand: Some rural parcels may have limited resale demand, prolonging holding periods.
  

Buying over‑the‑counter (OTC) parcels

If a property doesn’t sell in the live auction, it will be listed for sale online after 30 days. People who want to buy it can place bids, and the highest bid at the end wins. The starting bid is the amount of unpaid taxes and fees, but after two years, the minimum price may go down. There’s also a way to buy properties directly without competing with others, but it’s still important to check everything about the property before buying..

Why Arkansas remains attractive for tax‑deed investors

• Low property taxes and cost of living: Arkansas’s overall tax burden is relatively low, making it economical to hold property long‑term. Annual property taxes on rural land are modest.
  
• Central location and transportation: Interstates and railways traverse the state, facilitating logistics and commerce. Mississippi County’s location along the river and I‑55 provides strategic access for businesses.
  
• Economic growth: The state has added different jobs besides just farming. Now, it has jobs in making things, energy, and services. In Mississippi County, making steel has helped people find jobs and buy houses.
  
• Natural attractions: The “Natural State” nickname reflects abundant rivers, mountains and wildlife refuges. Properties near recreational areas can be marketed for tourism or weekend retreats.
  

Conclusion

Mississippi County has a special sale where people can buy properties for much less money than they are worth. The next auction will be on August 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Hilton Garden Inn in Jonesboro. To join the auction, you can sign up starting 30 minutes before it begins. The starting price is the amount of unpaid taxes and some extra costs.

Once you buy a property, you have to pay for it right away. You will get a special type of ownership paper called a limited warranty deed, but be careful because there is a 90-day period where people can still challenge the sale. After the auction, no one can get their property back, which makes it safer for buyers.

If you do your homework and plan your money well, buying properties at this tax sale can be a good way to earn money and help make the community a better place.

Pro tips for bidders

• Start research early: Review the COSL catalog well in advance and make a shortlist of parcels. Use DataScout Pro for maps and assessor details.
  
• Visit the property: On‑site visits or satellite imagery help confirm terrain, access and neighbors. Look for signs of dumping or encroachments.
  
• Check local ordinances: Some towns have vacant property ordinances or special assessments. Understanding local requirements avoids surprises.
  
• Bring approved payment methods: Personal or business checks, cashier’s checks and money orders are accepted. Credit/debit cards incur a fee; cash is not accepted
  
• Arrive early: Registration begins 30 minutes before the auction; seats fill quickly.
  
• Plan for legal costs: Quiet‑title actions are common. Seek quotes from local attorneys to estimate this expense.
  

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

When are Mississippi County tax sales held? 

Tax-deed auctions in Arkansas take place once a year between July and October. The 2025 tax sale for Mississippi County is scheduled for August 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM CT. Dates are announced annually by the COSL around May.

Do I need to register to participate? 

Yes, registration is required and begins 30 minutes before the live auction. You must present a driver’s license to receive a bidder number. For online auctions, registration and identity verification must be completed through the COSL website.

What is the minimum bid? 

The minimum bid equals the amount of delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and costs owed on the parcel. Competitive bidding may increase the final price.

How do I pay if I win? 

Payment is due immediately after the sale. Acceptable payment methods include personal or business checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (note that cards incur a processing fee). Cash is not accepted. For online auctions, the first $100 is charged automatically, and the remaining balance must be paid within 10 business days.

Can the owner redeem the property after the sale? 

No, property owners can only redeem their property until 4 PM on the last business day before the auction. After that, the sale is final and subject to a 90-day litigation period.

Where can I find the list of parcels? 

You can find the Public Auction Catalog on the COSL website. Unsold parcels will be available for auction 30 days after the live sale. Local newspapers also publish notices regarding the auction.

Useful links

• Mississippi 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?

Looking to get into tax sales in Mississippi County? Explore our Auction Calendar today to see what’s available. Our free resources are a great way to learn how it all works. Still have questions? Book a free call with an expert and get clarity on how to take the next step with confidence

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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