Facing Tax Foreclosure in Jones County, Mississippi?
If you are a homeowner in Jones County dealing with delinquent property taxes -- or you have already lost your property at a tax sale -- you may be owed money. Here is what you need to know.
How Tax Sales Work in Jones County
The Chancery Clerk in Laurel manages tax sales for Jones County through a tax lien sale. The tax collector advertises delinquent properties and auctions them publicly. The minimum bid covers delinquent taxes, costs, and penalties. Former owners have a two-year redemption period under Section 27-45-3.
When your property sells for more than what you owed, the extra money is "surplus funds." Under Section 27-41-77 of the Mississippi Code, those funds may belong to you.
Tyler v. Hennepin County: Your Constitutional Right
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that governments cannot keep surplus from tax sales beyond what is owed, calling it a violation of the Fifth Amendment. If Jones County collected more than you owed, you have a right to the difference.
Critical Deadlines
After the two-year redemption period expires, you have two more years to claim surplus. That is roughly a four-year total window from the date of sale. After that, the county keeps the money permanently. After two years past the redemption period, surplus is permanently retained by the county. Do not wait.
Steps to Take Now
- Contact the Chancery Clerk in Laurel. Ask if surplus funds are held from your property's sale.
- Gather documents. You need proof of identity, proof of ownership at the time of sale, and any sale correspondence.
- File your claim promptly. Follow the county's process and keep copies of everything.
- Consult an attorney if deadlines are close or your situation is complicated.
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company that helps homeowners recover surplus funds for a flat $4,999 fee upon successful recovery. We are not investors. We exist to help you get what is yours. Visit AuctionBlock.org for free help.
Educational information from AuctionBlock.org, a mission-driven company. Not legal advice. Laws are evolving post-Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023). Consult a licensed Mississippi attorney. Updated April 2026.