More than 20-million dollars is going to counties across the state in turnback funds from the office of the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands.

The money comes from the redemption and sale of tax delinquent properties certified to the office. 

"Once properties are redeemed by the original owner or sold at public auction, the funds collected are returned to the county, where the property is located, one year after the collection date," Commissioner John Thurston said.

Real estate taxes are due to the county collector no later than October 15 of each year. If taxes are not paid for one year after that date, the county is required by law to certify the delinquent properties to the Commissioner of State Lands office for collection. During a property's time at the Commissioner of State Lands office, the staff is continuously working to collect the taxes from the original owners or interested parties via multiple certified and regular mail notices. If no one comes forward to pay the taxes within the prescribed time period, the property goes to public auction.

The $20.4 million in turnback revenue represent taxes that have been collected via redemption or sale as well as excess funds collected from the sale of properties. "Property taxes play a vital role in the stability of county revenues. Public schools and county services depend on real estate tax dollars to aid in funding their programs. Without these funds our communities may miss out on essential programs and growth," said Thurston.

Pulaski County received the largest combined turnback amount, totaling $4.1 million, with Benton County close behind receiving just under $4 million dollars.