Sec. 35. (a) For purposes of this chapter, school lands have been sold if:
(1) a certificate of sale has been issued to the purchaser or recorded in the proper office;
(2) the purchaser has paid all or part of the purchase money; and
(3) the purchaser has or could have entered into possession of the land.
(b) If subsection (a) of this section is applicable, the land is subject to assessment and taxation in the same manner as if a deed had been delivered to the purchaser.