Selling land with back taxes in Georgia
Yes, you can sell Georgia land that has back taxes. The unpaid taxes are paid from the sale at closing. What matters is timing, because once the land goes to a tax sale your window gets shorter.
Request an offerHow Georgia handles unpaid property taxes
Georgia sells the land at a tax sale, but the deed can be redeemed for a set period afterward. You can win the land back during that window by paying the taxes, costs and a premium.
The redemption rule in Georgia: After a standard tax sale, the owner or anyone with an interest can redeem for at least 12 months. If the county uses a judicial in rem tax foreclosure instead, only the owner can redeem, and only for 60 days after the sale. After 12 months, a standard tax sale buyer can end the right to redeem by serving notice. In a standard tax sale, the redemption price is the sale price plus later taxes and special assessments, plus a premium. The premium is 20% for the first year (or fraction) and 10% for each additional year (or fraction).
Law: O.C.G.A. 48-4-40, 48-4-42 and 48-4-45 (standard tax sale), O.C.G.A. 48-4-80 and 48-4-81 (judicial in rem tax foreclosure). Rules change, so confirm with the county tax collector.
What to do before the tax sale
- Call the county tax office and get the exact amount owed and the next sale date.
- Decide whether you want to keep the land. If not, selling before the sale stops the interest and penalties from growing.
- Gather the parcel number and any tax bills. A buyer and the title company need them to order a payoff.
Georgia land at a glance
- Average farm real estate value: $4,950 per acre (2026, USDA).
- Average property tax on farmland: about $16.99 per acre per year (2022 Census of Agriculture).
- Transfer tax: $1.00 for the first $1,000 (or fraction) plus $0.10 for each additional $100 (or fraction), about 0.1% of price. Applies when consideration exceeds $100, excluding prior liens not removed by the sale.
- Seller disclosure: Georgia has no statutory seller disclosure form and follows caveat emptor. Sellers still cannot conceal known defects or commit fraud.
These are statewide averages, not an appraisal. See selling land in Georgia for county values, or try the land value estimator.
How a cash sale handles this
Liberty Acres is a family-owned cash land buyer. We buy land anywhere in the US, in any condition, including land with back taxes, inherited land and land with no road access. We pay back taxes and all closing costs, use no agents and charge no commissions, and close through a title company, escrow company or real estate attorney who pays you by wire or check.
Common questions
Can I sell my land in Georgia if I owe back taxes?
Yes. The back taxes are paid from the sale at closing through the title company. Liberty Acres pays back taxes and all closing costs.
How long do I have to redeem land after a tax sale in Georgia?
After a standard tax sale, the owner or anyone with an interest can redeem for at least 12 months. If the county uses a judicial in rem tax foreclosure instead, only the owner can redeem, and only for 60 days after the sale. After 12 months, a standard tax sale buyer can end the right to redeem by serving notice. In a standard tax sale, the redemption price is the sale price plus later taxes and special assessments, plus a premium. The premium is 20% for the first year (or fraction) and 10% for each additional year (or fraction).
Can I still sell after the tax sale?
It depends on the Georgia rule above. If the law gives a redemption period after the sale, you can redeem or sell during it, but the payoff grows and title work gets harder. If it does not, your ownership ends when redemption ends, so sell before then.
Sources
- Georgia tax sale law: O.C.G.A. 48-4-40, 48-4-42 and 48-4-45 (standard tax sale), O.C.G.A. 48-4-80 and 48-4-81 (judicial in rem tax foreclosure)
- USDA NASS Land Values 2026 and 2022 Census of Agriculture
State rules last checked 2026-10-10. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state, so talk to a local attorney or CPA about your situation.