State Releases Collections From Tax Delinquent Sale

LITTLE ROCK – The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew and Lincoln counties raised over $389,000 ; the Commissioner of State Lands announced. The regional auction drew 97 registered bidders, who purchased 120 of 169 parcels for $389,548.90. Results were as follows: Ashley County: 18 parcels offered; 15 parcels sold; $26,357.35 total; $8,944.41 taxes collected Bradley County: 16 parcels offered; 15 parcels sold; $114,823.34 total; $5,914.05 taxes collected Chicot County: 46 parcels offered; 30 parcels sold; $51,314.61 total; $11,409.14 taxes collected Cleveland County: 13 parcels offered; 6 parcels sold; $21,900.00 total; $2,203.19 taxes collected Desha County: 30 parcels offered; 26 parcels sold; $38,988.98 total; $8,407.22 taxes collected Drew County: 22 parcels offered; 19 parcels sold; $95,324.15 total; $16,945.00 taxes collected Lincoln County: 24 parcels offered; 9 parcels sold; $40,840.47 total; $6,626.55 taxes collected The Land Commissioner's office is holding regional auctions to offer real estate parcels delinquent since 2018. "Just a small portion of property certified to our office goes to auction," Commissioner Tommy Land said. "The vast majority of owners redeem their property by paying the delinquent taxes. Of course, we always prefer that property be redeemed if the owners want to keep it, but it is vital that the parcels return to the county's active tax rolls." The COSL office forwards taxes and interest to the county, whether that money is collected through redemption or sale. "Last year, this office sent more than $23 million to school districts and county governments," Land said. "Of that, $459,169.21 went to these seven counties, helping fund everything from roads to schools." Those turnback amounts were: Ashley County: $140,696.18. Bradley County: $28,7...