Smith County Public Auctions & Sheriff Sales
Comprehensive guide to county sheriff foreclosure auctions, tax deeds, tax lien certificates, over-the-counter land purchases, and surplus funds in Smith County, Tennessee.
Where to Bid on Smith County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Smith County are managed by the Smith County Chancery Court / Clerk & Master and hosted online via Smith County CivicSource / Chancery Court Steps Portal.
Smith County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Smith County Sheriff's Office Civil Division conducts regular public foreclosure auctions ordered by the Circuit or Superior Court to satisfy mortgage default judgments, construction liens, and civil court executions.
Smith County Chancery Court Over-the-Counter Sales (Over-The-Counter)
Parcels and certificates that receive no bids during the scheduled public auctions enter the county's permanent Chancery Court Over-the-Counter Sales inventory. Any citizen or investor can purchase these parcels directly from the Smith County Chancery Court / Clerk & Master over the counter for the delinquent taxes and fees owed, without competing in an auction.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Smith County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Smith County for more than the outstanding taxes, penalties, and administrative fees, the resulting funds are termed excess proceeds (surplus funds). By law, these funds belong to the former property owner or their legal heirs.
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4 Steps to Bid on Properties in Smith County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Smith County delinquent tax list published 4–6 weeks prior to the sale. Perform title searches on Parcel ID numbers to identify superior federal liens or mortgages.
Bidder Registration & Deposit
Register on CivicSource / Chancery Court Steps at least 48 hours prior to auction start. Deposit required bidder funds (often 5% of anticipated bid budget or flat $200 deposit).
Auction Bidding Strategy
Bid price upward against competing buyers. Ensure you do not exceed your predetermined maximum acquisition budget.
Payment & Deed Issuance
Settle the remaining purchase balance within 24 hours. The Smith County Chancery Court / Clerk & Master issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Smith County Tax Sales
Is Smith County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Smith County follows the Tennessee Tax Deed (Redeemable) statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning 12% Annual Statutory Interest (1% monthly) statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Smith County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through CivicSource / Chancery Court Steps (https://www.civicsource.com). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Smith County? ▼
Unsold parcels are added to the Smith County Chancery Court Over-the-Counter Sales list. These properties can be acquired directly over-the-counter through the Smith County Chancery Court / Clerk & Master without an auction.