Tax Sales

WHAT IS A TAX SALE?

A tax sale is a legal process where property with unpaid taxes is offered for sale to recover the delinquent taxes owed to the county.

The Clayton County Tax Commissioner conducts tax sales to collect delinquent property taxes. Tax sales are conducted in accordance with Georgia law and are subject to strict regulations. Bidder registration and payment rules apply to all sales.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS

• Before the tax sale begins, bidders may obtain a copy of the tax sale list.

• Please note that the Tax Commissioner’s Office does not provide additional information about the properties.
•  

• Tax sales involve the purchase of tax liens/deeds and can involve significant legal and financial considerations. Prospective bidders are responsible for performing their own research and due diligence before bidding.

• Final tax sale lists may be reduced due to homeowner tax payments being received in our office before the tax sale date.  
•  

 IF YOU WIN A BID

The winning bidder must complete the Blue Winning Bidder’s Form to finalize the purchase, at the tax sale. 

Important: The name and address provided on the Winning Bidder’s Form will appear on the Tax Deed, and future property tax bills will be mailed to that address. Please return the bidder’s form to the tax sale attorneys before leaving the courthouse.

Winning bidders must report to the Property Tax Office (121 S. McDonough St., Jonesboro, GA) between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM on the day of the sale to pay the winning bid amount. Failure to make payment within the required timeframe may result in the bidder being placed on the ineligible bidder list for six months and/or a lien being placed against the bidder for the amount lost by the Tax Commissioner’s Office.

Any property that is not paid for will be re-cried at 3:30 PM on the same day.

TAX SALE FAQ & TERMS

REDEMPTION PERIOD & BARRING THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

The redemption period is 12 months and one day from the date of the tax sale.

During this period, the current homeowner may redeem the property by paying the amount required by law, including the bidder's purchase amount and applicable penalties and statutory fees.

The initial redemption penalty is 20%, with the penalty increasing by 10% each additional year. Additional statutory fees may also increase the redemption amount.

After the redemption period has expired, the winning bidder may begin the barring process. The bidder should consult with a qualified real estate attorney to begin this process.

Once the barring process is completed, an attorney may proceed with a Quiet Title action to address clouds on the title, including certain liens and secured debts.

The winning bidder cannot access or take possession of the property for any reason until the redemption period has expired.

JUDICIAL IN REM SALE

A Judicial in Rem Sale is a legal process through which properties proceed through Superior Court. This process reduces the redemption period to 60 days.

EXCESS FUNDS

Excess Funds are funds remaining after the payment of taxes, costs, and expenses associated with a tax sale. These funds may be available for the property owner or other legally entitled parties to claim, subject to applicable laws and requirements.

TAX SALE ATTORNEY

Foster, Foster & Smith
141 S. McDonough St.
Jonesboro, GA 30236
770-478-4000

TAX COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE

Clayton County Tax Commissioner Danielle H. Smith
121 S. McDonough St., Annex 3, 2nd Floor
Jonesboro, GA 30236
770-477-3111