This section presents
the user with the most frequently asked questions and the appropriate responses relative
to Tax Forfeited Lands.
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions:
- How does a property become available for purchase?
- How do I obtain a listing of lands available for purchase in a
particular county?
- Approximately how long does the process take?
- What are the major steps in the process?
- How is the value for the property determined?
- If I have any questions about the process, how do I contact your
office?
- How do I obtain another copy of a land patent?
Answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How does a property
become available for purchase?
Answer:
Every year each county chancery clerk sends the Secretary of State a list of property on
which taxes have not been paid and the former owner has not redeemed by the statutory
deadline. The properties on these lists are entered into the state's tax forfeited
inventory and offered for sale.
Back to top
2. How do I obtain a
listing of lands available for purchase in a particular county?
Answer:
This web page provides access to the properties available for sale or you may contact the
Public Lands Division in the Secretary of State's Office. (?List of Parcels by County)
Back to top
3. Approximately how
long does the process take?
Answer:
The process normally takes about 90 to 120 days from receipt of the application to the
issuance of the patent.
Back to top
4. What are the major
steps in the process?
Answer:
The applicant must first file an application with all of the necessary information
complete and the filing fee included. The Secretary of State's Office then contacts the
county tax assessor for a current market value of the property and makes an investigation
of the title. Once the tax assessor value is received, a recommendation of the offer price
is made to the Governor's Office. Upon receipt of the Governor's approval, an offer letter
is sent to the applicant. If the purchase money is paid by the applicant, a patent (or
deed) is prepared, signed by the Governor and the Secretary of State, and sent to the
applicant for filing in the chancery clerk's office.
Back to top
5. How is the value
for the property determined?
Answer:
The county tax assessor certifies the current market value of the property. In some
instances, the Public Lands Division may commission an independent appraisal of the
current market value of the property. The purchase price is then normally set at 50% of
the market value or the amount of back taxes owed on the property, whichever is greater.
Back to top
6. If I have any
questions about the process, how do I contact your office?
Answer:
You may contact the Public Lands Division by telephone at (601) 359-6373; by fax at (601)
359-1461; by mail at Post Office Box 136, Jackson, MS, 39205; or by E-mail at the address
on this web page.
Back to top
7. How do I obtain
another copy of a land patent?
Answer:
Contact the Public Lands Division for copies of patent records. If you are the patentee,
there will be a charge of $25.00 to issue a duplicate patent.
Back to top
If you have any questions or
comments relative to these
tax forfeited lands, please contact our office at
Phone: (601) 359-6373
Voice: (601) 359-1350
In State Toll Free: (866) TFLANDS (866) 835-2637
Fax: (601) 359-1461
E-mail: publiclands@sos.state.ms.us
Gerald McWhorter
Assistant Secretary of State
Director of the Public Lands Division