Georgia Tax Deed Due Diligence
Georgia sells a redeemable tax deed. The buyer receives a deed at the sale, but it does not convey clear fee title. The former owner (and other interest holders) may redeem during the first 12 months (O.C.G.A. §48-4-40), and that right continues after 12 months until the buyer forecloses it by serving the statutory barment notice. The 12-month mark is when the buyer may begin barment — it is not an automatic expiration of the right to redeem.
Georgia sells a redeemable tax deed. The buyer receives a deed at the sale, but it does not convey clear fee title. The former owner (and other interest holders) may redeem during the first 12 months (O.C.G.A. §48-4-40), and that right continues after 12 months until the buyer forecloses it by serving the statutory barment notice. The 12-month mark is when the buyer may begin barment — it is not an automatic expiration of the right to redeem.
Sale type
Redeemable tax deed
Redemption in brief
Redeemable deed
Redemption rights
Under O.C.G.A. §48-4-40, the right of redemption runs through the first 12 months after the sale and continues beyond 12 months until it is barred through the statutory notice process (O.C.G.A. §48-4-45 et seq.). The redemption premium is 20% of the amount paid for the first year (O.C.G.A. §48-4-42), increasing thereafter. The tax deed does not ripen into fee simple until the holder forecloses the right of redemption through barment — the 12-month point is when barment may begin, not an automatic cutoff.
How the sale works
Sales are held on the first Tuesday of the month on the courthouse steps by the county tax commissioner or sheriff. Bidding starts at the taxes, interest, penalties, and costs due. The purchaser receives a tax deed subject to the statutory right of redemption, which continues until it is barred.
What to verify before you bid
- The redemption timeline: redemption runs during the first 12 months and continues until barred (O.C.G.A. §48-4-40), plus the 20% first-year premium (§48-4-42).
- That you can properly serve all parties entitled to notice before barment — defective notice can void the foreclosure of redemption.
- Any recorded federal tax lien and IRS notice status (26 U.S.C. §7425).
- Whether curative work or a quiet-title action may be needed after barment to obtain marketable title, depending on the defect, governing law, and the title underwriter.
Key dates & deadlines
| Sale day | First Tuesday of the month on the courthouse steps. |
| Redemption | Runs during the first 12 months and continues until barred (O.C.G.A. §48-4-40); 20% first-year premium (§48-4-42). |
| Barment notice | After 12 months the purchaser may begin barment by serving the statutory notice to foreclose the right of redemption. |
Lien survival note
Because a Georgia tax deed is redeemable, title is not clear until redemption is barred; whether additional curative work or a quiet-title action is needed depends on the defect, governing law, and the title underwriter. Federal tax liens and some governmental claims can survive — verify each against the county records before bidding.
Primary sources for Georgia
Verify everything here against the governing statute and the state's tax authority. Links open the official government source.
State tax authority
Related reading
Georgia Tax Deed Due Diligence: Research Steps for Tax Sale Investors
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Open the investor toolsThis guide is educational information about Georgia tax-sale procedure, not legal or investment advice. Statutes are amended and county practice varies; confirm the current law and your county's specific sale terms with the primary sources above or a licensed attorney before bidding.