There is no deposit required. Registration begins at 9:00 AM. Payment is due upon completion of the sale in certified funds or cash. Amounts listed on the sale list may be subjected to additional costs on the day of the sale.
You do not need to pre-register to bid at the tax sale; however, you must be present in order to bid. We do not accept mail, phone or fax bids. The opening bid for a particular property is the amount of tax due, plus penalties and all applicable other costs. The Tax Deed, not the property, is sold to the highest bidder. We require payment in full upon conclusion of the tax sale. Payment must be in the form of cash, certified check, cashiers check or money order. If there is any excess after paying taxes, costs and all expenses of a sale, the tax commissioner or tax collector may file an interpleader action in superior court for the payment of the amount of such excess. Such excess shall be distributed by the superior court to intended parties, including the owner as their interest appears and in the order of priority in which their interest exists (OCGA 48-4-5). Any properties not receiving a bid may be re-auctioned that afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
The tax sale purchaser receives a tax deed to the property. However, they cannot take immediate possession of the property, make any improvements to the property, evict any tenants or move onto the property. Georgia law allows the property owner or anyone with any right, title or interest in the property to repurchase (redeem) the Tax Deed. Until the right of redemption has been foreclosed or the title has ripened by prescription, a tax deed has the same force and effect as a lien.
