Georgia § 48-4-2 - Assessment and disposition of unreturned property.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 48-4-2 — Assessment and disposition of unreturned property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48-4-2. Assessment and disposition of unreturned property.
When property which has not actually been returned by anyone is assessed for taxes, the tax collector or tax commissioner shall issue an execution against the property as soon as it is assessed for the amount due and costs. The sheriff shall advertise the property for sale in the newspaper in which sheriff's sales are advertised once a week for four weeks before the day of sale. If the taxes are not paid by the day of the sale, the property shall be sold, but only if renting or hiring the property will not bring the requisite amount. Surplus from a sale after the payment of the taxes and costs shall be paid over to the county governing authority as a part of the educational fund, together with a statement of the property and account of sales, subject to the claim of the true owner within four years. (Orig. Code 1863, § 819; Code 1868, § 899; Code 1873, § 897; Code 1882, § 897; Civil Code 1895, § 908; Civil Code 1910, § 1168; Code 1933, § 92-8103; Code 1933, § 91A-402, enacted by Ga. L. 1978, p. 309, § 2; Ga. L. 1984, p. 660, § 1.) Law reviews. - For annual survey on real property, see 69 Mercer L. Rev. 251 (2017). For comment on Bell v. Summerlin, 188 Ga. 648 , 4 S.E.2d 831 (1939), see 2 Ga. B. J. 54 (1940).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 48-4-2
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 48-4-2 cover?
Section 48-4-2 ("Assessment and disposition of unreturned property.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 48-4-2?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 48-4-2" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 48-4-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.