Question 1

Does Georgia sell tax liens or tax deeds?

Accepted Answer

Georgia sells redeemable tax deeds. Premium (price bid-up) bidding from a minimum of taxes plus costs; buyer receives a sheriff&#x27;s tax deed but cannot take possession during redemption, and a quiet title action is typically required after barment for marketable title. No conventional over-the-counter lien program — unsold properties are handled county by county.

Question 2

What is the redemption period in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

12 months from the date of sale (O.C.G.A. § 48-4-40); the right does not expire automatically at 12 months — it continues until the purchaser bars it by serving barment notice under § 48-4-45

Question 3

When are tax sales held in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Sheriff / tax commissioner sales on the first Tuesday of the month, in months when a county advertises a sale

What is sold	Redeemable tax deeds
Interest / penalty	20% flat redemption premium on the purchase price for the first year or fraction thereof, plus 10% for each additional year or fraction thereof (O.C.G.A. § 48-4-42) — a premium, not compounding interest
Redemption period	12 months from the date of sale (O.C.G.A. § 48-4-40); the right does not expire automatically at 12 months — it continues until the purchaser bars it by serving barment notice under § 48-4-45
When sales happen	Sheriff / tax commissioner sales on the first Tuesday of the month, in months when a county advertises a sale
Governing law	Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 48, Chapter 4 (esp. §§ 48-4-1, 48-4-40, 48-4-42, 48-4-45)
Investor notes	Premium (price bid-up) bidding from a minimum of taxes plus costs; buyer receives a sheriff's tax deed but cannot take possession during redemption, and a quiet title action is typically required after barment for marketable title. No conventional over-the-counter lien program — unsold properties are handled county by county.

Georgia tax sales: liens, deeds, rates & redemption

Sources