Ala. Code § 40-10-18: When Property to Be Bid in for State.

If no person shall bid for any real estate offered at such sale an amount sufficient to pay the sum specified in the decree of sale, and the costs and expenses subsequently accruing, the judge of probate shall bid in such real estate for the state at a price not exceeding the sum specified in such decree and such subsequently accruing cost and expenses. In no event shall the judge of probate bid in for the state less than the entire amount of real estate included in any assessment.