A Limited Warranty Deed from the Commissioner of State Lands conveying 'all rights, title, and interest received by the State in the tax-delinquent parcel through tax forfeiture' -- the deed 'often requires subsequent legal action by the buyer to obtain full marketable title' and the state does not warrant that title is free of defect (COSL Rules, Title 1 Subtitle H; Ark. Code 26-37-202, 26-37-203). The state also does not guarantee access or even existence of the parcel (COSL Buyers page).
- Redemption
- None after the sale. Since July 1, 2023 'parcels sold through the Commissioner of State Lands office cannot be redeemed. All sales are final' (COSL catalog). The owner can redeem only until 4:00 p.m. CT the last business day before the sale (Ark. Code 26-37-202; COSL Rules). Separately, anyone contesting the deed must sue within 90 days of the conveyance (Ark. Code 26-37-203).
- Deposit
- Live auction: no deposit -- the full purchase price is due at the time of sale by personal or business check, certified funds, or credit/debit card (card fees apply); cash is not accepted (COSL Rules Title 2, Subtitle B.4; COSL FAQ). Online post-auction sale: $100 earnest money charged to your card on file when you win.
- Balance due
- Live auction: the day of the sale. Online post-auction sale: the full bid in certified funds within 10 business days of the win notice (COSL Rules Title 3, Subtitle C.3).
- To bid
- Live auction: register before the sale, give a driver's license number and show photo ID to get a pre-numbered bid card. Online: complete ID verification and put a credit/debit card on file at auction.cosl.org. Barred from bidding: COSL staff, the county collector or deputy, anyone whose home of record is outside the United States, and the former owner or any interested party (COSL Rules).
- Where
- Live regional auctions run by the state Commissioner of State Lands, grouped by county at a host city (e.g. 7/9/2026 Pulaski County in North Little Rock; 7/21/2026 Scott, Sebastian, Logan, Franklin and Crawford in Fort Smith), all at 10:00 a.m. Parcels unsold 30 days later go to the online post-auction sale at auction.cosl.org.
- When
- Annual statewide rotation, July through September (2026 catalog: 7/9 to 9/23), plus a continuous online post-auction sale of leftovers.
Rules checked 2026-09-17 against codes.findlaw.com, cosl.org, coslstorage.blob.core.windows.net. Terms vary by county — confirm Sharp County's own notice and the linked source before you bid. Not legal advice.