A long-time Dawsonville pharmacy has been sold to the highest bidder.

Goodsons Pharmacy, built in 1952, was seized by the Internal Revenue Service for non-payment of thousands in federal taxes, according to Paul Reed, an IRS property liquidation specialist.

It sold for $9,500, Reed said. We had two bidders and the bids started at $7,200, went up to $8,000, then rose in increments of $500.

The property was sold Nov. 19.

The full amount of the bid was paid on the day of sale and a certificate of sale was given to the successful bidder, Reed said. The owner has 180 days from the date of sale to redeem it if thats what he wants. Nothing happens until then.

After 180 days, the successful bidder, whose name has not been released, would send the certificate of sale to the IRS who would then issue a quit-claim deed, Reed said.

The pharmacy is currently open and serving customers.

Reed explained when the IRS seizes a property, it is not like when a bank forecloses on a home.

We never take physical possession of the property, he said. We dont change the locks. The property still belongs to him.

Goodson said he plans to stay open.

We are not going anywhere, said Phil Goodson. The people at my (accounting) firm are taking care of things. Were planning to stay open.

According to a Notice of Encumbrances found on an IRS Sales website, Goodson owes $3,800 to the Dawson County Tax Commissioner, $45,000 to the Georgia Department of Revenue, and $16,000 to the Board of Regents of the University System a total of $64,800.

There are other taxes due on his other properties, said Dawson County Tax Commissioner Linda Townley. Well be taking those properties to collection unless he makes payments right away.

Townley was referring to Goodsons private residence and possibly other private properties. She stated about $13,000 in taxes are due on all properties.

She said she had not heard from Goodson at presstime on Tuesday, Dec. 3.