What You Need to Know in White County, Arkansas Tax Deed Sales

White County is in north-central Arkansas, where there are farms and forests. The main town is Searcy, which has some historic places like the Black House, the old courthouse, and the Rialto Theatre. The county has farms, small towns, and easy access to roads and airports. When it comes to tax sales, if property owners don’t pay their taxes, the county can sell their property. This is how the county collects money that is needed for services.

Brief Overview of Tax Deed Investing in White County

White County sells land using a special system. When they sell pieces of land, they go to public auctions, which means people can come and bid on them. You need to pay at least what you owe in taxes and fees.

To join the auction, you just need to show up about 30 minutes before it starts and bring an ID with your picture. You can’t pay with cash; you can use a card, or write a check instead.

Since July 1, 2023, if you buy a piece of land, you can’t return it after the auction. You have to pay before 4:00 p.m. on the last business day before the auction if you want to keep the land.

When you win at the auction, you get a special paper called a Limited Warranty Deed that proves you own the land. After you buy it, you may need to do some extra work to make sure everything is clear with your new property, and you should know that there’s a wait of 90 days in case anyone disputes your ownership.

If a piece of land doesn’t sell at the auction, it goes online for another 30 days where people can place their bids.

Important Details

Item	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax deed auction.
Typical Sale Date	Between July–October. Arkansas holds one live auction per county each year. The COSL publishes the schedule annually
Sale Time & Time Zone	Auctions usually start at 10:00 a.m. Central Time.
Registration Required?	Yes. For live auctions, registration begins 30 minutes before the sale at the venue.
Registration Start/End	On auction day, registration typically opens around 9:30 a.m. (30 minutes before a 10 a.m. sale) and closes when the auction begins.
Sale Venue	In person. COSL chooses local venues, often courthouses, churches or community centers.
Redemption Period	None after sale.
Interest Rate	Not applicable.
Bid Procedure & Terms	In a live auction, people bid on properties that owe taxes. Bids start at the total amount of taxes and fees. To bid, you raise your paddle. If you win, you must pay right away using a check, credit/debit card, or money order. No cash is allowed. If you don’t pay, you lose your win and can’t bid in future auctions.
Deposit	Live auctions: no deposit; full payment due at sale. Online post‑auction sales: an earnest money deposit of $100 per parcel
Deed & Litigation Period	When buyers purchase a property at a tax sale, they get a limited warranty deed. The Clerk of the Superior Court records this deed and sends it to the buyer. There is a 90-day waiting period where anyone can challenge the sale. Buyers should not fix or sell the property until this time is over.
Contact for More Information	Commissioner of State Lands (COSL). Email [email protected] or call (501) 324‑9422. For local tax questions, contact the White County Tax Collector (Beth Dorton) at [email protected] or (501) 279‑6206

Unique Features of Arkansas Tax Sales

• In-person auctions mean fewer people are bidding, which can help smart buyers get properties for less money.   

• Some guides say you have 30 or 90 days to get your property back, but that’s outdated. Since July 1, 2023, once a property is sold, you can’t get it back. However, you can contest the sale within 90 days. 

• If the previous owner is in the military or is a disabled child, there might still be ways to challenge the sale. It’s a good idea for buyers to talk to a lawyer about these situations.

.

Additional Facts and Fun Tidbits

• White County is a big place, covering 1,042 square miles, making it the second-largest county in Arkansas. The eastern side has flat farmland for growing soybeans, rice, and timber, while the western side has rolling hills used for cattle ranching. The Little Red River runs through the county.

• Visitors can see historic sites like the courthouse, Rialto Theatre, and Pioneer Village, which has old buildings from the late 1800s. There’s also Art Alley, filled with colorful murals.

• For getting around, there are major highways such as Interstate 57 and U.S. Highways 64, 67, and 167. Searcy Municipal Airport has a long runway and helps many planes land each year.

• Searcy is home to important businesses, like First Security Bank, which has many locations. The first Walmart distribution center outside Bentonville was built in Searcy. Agriculture is really important here, with Arkansas being the top state for rice and poultry production.

• Many new industries are coming to Arkansas, like oil and lithium in El Dorado and steel mills in Mississippi County. This growth helps the economy and creates a need for more housing and services, which can affect property taxes.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

• Historic downtown Searcy has the old 1874 Black House and the 1923 Rialto Theatre. You can walk down Main Street and visit antique shops and cafes. The Searcy farmers market and the Christmas lights at Berryhill Park are fun seasonal events.

• Pioneer Village is a museum with old buildings and farm tools from the 1800s. They have special days for learning old skills and craft fairs.

• For outdoor fun, parts of the Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge and Hurricane Lake are nearby. You can go hunting, fishing, or bird-watching. Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River are great for fishing and boating.

• Art Alley has colorful murals by local artists. Searcy also celebrates the White County Fair, craft festivals, and live shows at the Rialto Theatre.

Transportation Infrastructure

White County is easy to get to because it has important roads like Interstate 57 and U.S. Highways 64, 67, and 167. These roads help people and trucks travel to and from the area. Searcy Municipal Airport lets small planes land and take off, and it’s not far to Little Rock National Airport for bigger trips.

In White County, farming, banking, schools, and factories help the economy. First Security Bank and a Wal-Mart distribution center provide jobs and services. The land is great for growing crops like soybeans and rice. As Arkansas grows in industries like energy and manufacturing, there may be more opportunities for jobs and homes in White County.

Why White County is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

Economic Factors & Real Estate Trends

• Strong farming area: White County has a mix of farms and light businesses. Farms growing soybeans, rice, and timber need workers and homes, helping the economy.

• Growing population: The number of people in White County is increasing, going from 76,822 in 2020 to about 79,091 in 2024. More people mean more need for homes and land.

• Less competition at auctions: In Arkansas, you have to bid in person at auctions, which means fewer people show up than at online auctions. This gives a better chance to find good deals, especially in the countryside where fewer outside bidders come.

• No redemption after sale: When a property is bought, it can’t be taken back. This means there’s less worry after the 90-day waiting period, allowing buyers to act fast.

What Makes White County Tax Deed Sales a Smart Investment?

In Arkansas, people can buy land for very low prices, sometimes just the amount of unpaid taxes. This means they can get property for much less than it’s worth. They don’t earn interest because they’re buying the land itself. They can make money by selling or renting the land or using it for timber. Some buyers get small pieces of land for under $1,000 and later sell them for much more. They can earn money quickly if they choose the right property and consider the costs to make the title clear..

Anyone in the U.S. can bid on Arkansas tax deeds, but people from other countries can’t buy them. If you want to participate in online auctions, you need to show your ID and it must be issued in the U.S. There is no cost to register for live auctions.

Understanding the White County Tax Sale Process

How the Auction Works

1. Check the Properties: Look in the COSL catalog to see information about each property. It shows the sale number, owner, legal details, and how much taxes are owed. You can find out if the property is land, lots, or buildings. Use the parcel number to find maps and pictures online. If you can, visit the property and check for any money owed on it at the county clerk’s office. Make sure to do your research, as the state doesn’t promise the property will be usable or have a clear title.
2. Register for the Auction: Arrive about 30 minutes early. Bring your driver’s license and fill out a registration card. Keep your bidder number safe.
3. Bidding Process: The auctioneer will call out properties. The starting bid is the amount of taxes owed. Hold up your bidder card to place a bid. The highest bidder wins, and bids create a binding contract.
4. Payment: After winning, pay the full bid amount right away using a check, credit or debit card, money order, or cashier’s check. Cash is not allowed. For online payments after the auction, pay $100 as a deposit right away, then send the rest within 10 days.
5. Getting Your Deed: Once your payment is processed, COSL will send you a limited warranty deed. Wait at least 90 days before making changes to the property.
6. Quiet Title: To get a clear title to the property, you’ll need to file a quiet title action in court. This can cost a few hundred dollars plus attorney fees. In Arkansas, you can file this 30 days after the sale, but many wait until after the 90-day period.

Expected Returns

Returns depend on the parcel. Investors can make money by buying cheap land and selling it for a higher price. For example, a vacant lot with unpaid taxes of $500 could be worth $5,000 to a builder after the owner gets the title. Wooded land can also be valuable because trees can be sold. There are no set interest rates, so the profit comes from the land becoming more valuable and selling it smartly.

Foreign Investor Participation

In Arkansas, only people who live in the U.S. can buy at tax sales. If you’re from another country and want to buy, you need to find a U.S. company to help you. It’s also a good idea to talk to a lawyer if you’re a foreign owner.

Importance of Due Diligence in White County Tax Deed Investing

What Due Diligence Entails

• Property Inspection: Check where the land is, how big it is, how you can get to it, and what it looks like. Use maps from the county and drive by to see the area and buildings.

• Title Search: Look at county records to find any loans or fees on the property. Some loans, like federal tax loans, might still be there even if the property is sold. It’s a good idea to get help from a title company or lawyer.

• Environment and Zoning: Check for problems like floods or trash in the area. Also, look at rules about what you can build. In White County, there are farms and wetlands, and some land might be hard to get to.

• Quiet-Title Cost: Save money for legal fees to clear the title. If you don’t fix the title, it can be hard to get insurance or sell the property later.
  

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

• Unsuitable land. Buying land at a tax sale might lead to problems. You could end up with land that you can’t use or that is hard to reach, like land that is underwater or surrounded by private roads. Just looking at the legal description of the land might not show these issues..
  
• Undisclosed liens. If you buy a property at a tax sale, you might have to pay for things like city fees or special district charges that are added to the property.
  
• Litigation. If you buy a property at a tax sale, you might have to pay for things like city fees or special district charges that are added to the property.
  

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Deeds in White County

If a property doesn’t sell at the live auction, it will be sold online 30 days later. Here’s how it works:

1. Register Online: Sign up for free. Prove who you are and add a way to pay.
2.  Browse Listings: Look at what’s for sale. You can search by county or by owner’s name.
3.  Place a Bid: You can bid on properties for 30 days. Your first bid must be at least the amount of unpaid taxes. You can set a highest amount, and the system will help raise your bid if needed.
4. Earnest Money & Payment: When the auction ends at 8 p.m. CT, $100 of your winning bid will be charged. You have 10 business days to pay the rest. If you don’t, you lose the $100.
5. Receive the Deed: After you pay, the company will send you the deed. There’s a 90-day time to sort out any problems.
   

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No competition at live auction—properties can be purchased quietly from your computer.
  
• Fixed minimum price—since there is no bidding competition in the first 30 days, you may acquire parcels at the minimum bid.
  
• Convenient research—the online platform links to assessor data and mapping, making due diligence easier.
  

Why White County is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

White County has a nice mix of farms and growing businesses. The area is close to major highways and Little Rock, which helps people buy and sell things easily. Property prices are low, and there are live auctions where people can bid on land. A new rule lets investors find and buy properties faster. With some good research, investors can discover cheap farmland, homes, or business lots that are likely to grow in value. The county is developing industries like oil, lithium, steel, and aerospace, which could mean good opportunities in the future.

Conclusion

White County has a special auction where people can buy properties at good prices. This area is great for farming and new businesses. To do well at the auction, it’s important to know how Arkansas’s tax deed system works. This includes signing up, bidding, and paying for the property. There’s no chance to get your money back after the sale, and you have 90 days to sort out any problems. By checking the properties and knowing what’s nearby, buyers can take advantage of White County’s growth and build a successful investment.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early and pre‑research. Registration begins 30 minutes before the auction. Study the catalog beforehand so you know which parcels you want.
  
• Bring multiple payment methods. Wi‑Fi can be unpredictable; bring a personal check and a backup cashier’s check or debit card to ensure payment is processed
  
• Budget for quiet‑title costs. Plan on legal fees to obtain a marketable title. Factor this into your maximum bid.
  
• Check for homestead exemptions. Parcels designated as homesteads may have additional legal protections, especially for disabled minors or active military.
  
• Consider partnering with local experts. Collaborate with local real‑estate agents or attorneys who know White County’s market. They can help with due diligence, quiet title and resale strategies.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When are White County tax sales held?

A: One live auction is held each year, usually between July and October. In 2025, White County’s sale is on September 11 at 10 a.m.

Q: Do I earn interest on my investment?

A: No. In Arkansas, you buy the property, not a promise to pay later. You make money by selling the property or using it.

Q: Is there a time to get my property back?

A: You can get your property back only until 4 p.m. the day before the auction. After that, you can’t redeem it.

Q: How do I bid in the auction?

A: Come 30 minutes early with your driver’s license and fill out a registration card. It’s free.

Q: Can non-U.S. citizens bid?  

A: No. Only people who live in the U.S. can bid in Arkansas.

Q: What if someone contests the sale?

A: Sales can be challenged within 90 days. If they win, you get your money back without interest.

Useful Links

• Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands
• Auction Calendar
• White County Collector’s Office
• White County Website
• 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?

White County tax-sale properties are now listed in our Auction Calendar. Check out the options and use our free resources to learn about the whole process from beginning to end. If you need more help or just want to talk, you can always book a free call.

Sign up or log in to view the full content.