Blizzard v. Moniz
1999Held that ripening by prescription is inapplicable to tax sales without actual possession, emphasizing the need to formally bar the right of redemption.
GA
Georgia
Tax Deed
Georgia tax sales are in-person, public auctions conducted by the county on the first Tuesday of the month. The purchaser receives a redeemable deed, not fee simple title. The original owner retains a 12-month right of redemption, which the purchaser must formally bar through a specific legal notice process after the year expires.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 159 |
| BS&A municipalities | 26 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Redeemable deed
- Redemption period
- 12 months minimum
- Sale frequency
- Monthly (first Tuesday)
- Minimum bid
- Taxes + costs
- Interest rate
- 20% (1st yr), 10% (subsequent)
- Deed type
- Sheriff's tax deed
- Bidder deposit
- Varies by county
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Redeemable Deed |
| Redemption Period | The redemption period is 12 months from the date of the tax sale. The right of redemption continues after the 12-month period until the tax deed purchaser formally forecloses the right of redemption by providing the statutorily required notice. |
| Penalty / Interest | The redemption price includes the amount paid at the tax sale, subsequent taxes paid, and special assessments, plus a statutory premium of 20% for the first year (or fraction thereof) and 10% for each additional year (or fraction thereof). |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 159 |
| Typical Sale Month | First Tuesday of the month |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Tax sales are in-person public auctions held at the courthouse steps. Bidder registration requirements vary by county and often include photo ID and proof of funds. The minimum bid is the total of delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and sale costs. Payment is typically required immediately or within a few hours via certified funds.
Post-sale obligations
The purchaser does not have rights to possession, rent, or improvements during the redemption period. The purchaser must pay subsequent property taxes and assessments. After 12 months, the purchaser must initiate the formal process to bar the right of redemption by serving notice to the defendant in fi. fa. and all interested parties of record.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Georgia tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$5,000
Timeline6 mo.
Notable counties
Key Georgia counties for tax deed investors.
Fulton County
High volume of sales due to the Atlanta metro area.
Henry County
Known for specific online registration requirements for in-person sales.
How to bid at a Georgia tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Georgia tax deed sales.
- 1
Research property records
Search the county tax commissioner and clerk of court records to identify properties and potential title issues.
- 2
Verify auction details
Confirm the sale date, time, and location via the county's official legal organ.
- 3
Register as bidder
Complete any required county registration forms and provide proof of identity and funds.
- 4
Attend the auction
Appear in person at the courthouse steps on the first Tuesday of the month.
- 5
Submit winning bid
Make your bid clearly to the auctioneer and be prepared to pay the full amount immediately via certified funds.
- 6
Record the deed
Ensure the Sheriff's tax deed is recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Georgia.
Persons entitled to redeem
Amount payable for redemption
Notice of foreclosure of right to redeem
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Georgia tax deed investors.
DLT List, LLC v. M7VEN
2017Clarified that super liens for redeeming parties do not attach to excess tax-sale funds, as those funds are personal property.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Georgia tax deed investors.
- The owner has 12 months to pay the purchaser the bid amount plus statutory premiums. After 12 months, the purchaser must serve notice to bar the right of redemption.
- Yes, if you intend to sell the property or obtain title insurance, as a tax deed is not considered marketable title by insurers.
- The primary risk is caveat emptor. You are responsible for verifying the title; if notice was not properly served to all interest holders, the sale can be voided.
- If the owner proves a defect in the notice or sale process, the court may set aside the tax deed, requiring you to seek a refund of your investment.
- You have no legal right to enter the property before purchase. You must rely on public records and exterior observation.
- Costs vary by complexity, but typically range from $3,000 to $8,000+ in legal fees and court costs.
How does Georgia's redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks should I know?
What happens if the owner challenges the sale?
Can I inspect properties before bidding?
What is the average cost of quiet title?
Title Risk Flags
Caveat emptor applies; failure to provide proper notice to all parties with a recorded interest is the most common reason tax deeds are set aside.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.