The
St. Mary’s County tax sale is usually held on the 2nd or 3rd
week in February every year for the previous tax year.
By Maryland state law the
delinquent taxpayers must be advertised in the local newspaper for
four (4) weeks prior to the sale.
The Treasurer's office then holds a
public auction to satisfy the taxes. If you are the successful
bidder you will receive a "Certificate of Sale" which will give
you the right to start your legal proceedings to obtain title to
property after waiting a six (6) month redemption period. Please
note that holding a "Certificate of Sale" does not give you
title or rights to the property until after the six month
redemption period has passed and you have completed the necessary
legal steps to obtain an "Order to Foreclose the Right of
Redemption" from the court.
IMPORTANT:
If you are the successful bidder, immediately forward your name
and address to the clerks at the front of the room. This is the
name that will be used for the ‘Certificate of Sale’.
Payment must be made before you leave the building. The
amount needed for payment will be the amount advertised plus any
subsequent taxes that are due at this time. Personal checks are
acceptable.
If you are the successful bidder of a property, you must pay the
delinquent taxes as advertised and the current taxes due (usually
a similar amount). This will be the amount paid on account and
will be deducted from your bid, leaving a balance due. The
balance on bid will be due if you take title to the property.
EXAMPLE: BID:
$2,000.00
2 YEARS
TAX: -800.00
BALANCE
ON BID: $1,200.00
There are instances when the taxes you are required to pay will
exceed the amount of your bid.
EXAMPLE: BID: $2,000.00
2 YEARS
TAX: 2,500.00
BALANCE
ON BID: $ -0-
The property owner has six (6) months in which to redeem their
property. If after six (6) months the property has not been
redeemed, you may start the necessary steps to obtain title. This
means contacting your attorney and having them begin the legal
work needed to take title to the property.
If the property is redeemed, we will notify you by mail and you
will be directed to return your ‘Certificate of Sale’ for a refund
of the amount that you paid, plus interest at the annual rate of
6% through the month of redemption.
 Holders
of Certificates of Sale and Plaintiffs in Actions to Foreclose
Rights of Redemption
The policy concerning the expenses incurred in an action or in
preparation for an action
to foreclose the rights of redemption is as follows:
Property owners have 6 months to redeem property that has been sold for taxes. Maryland law provides that you are entitled to be
reimbursed for certain expenses if the property you purchase is
redeemed. These expenses must have been incurred in an action
or in preparation for an action to foreclose the Rights of
Redemption.
These expenses include:
-
Reasonable fee for a necessary title examination
-
Publication costs
-
Service of process by publication cost
-
Attorney fees incurred in an action or in preparation
for an action to foreclose the Rights of Redemption
-
Fee for necessary recording of documents associated
with an action to foreclose the Rights of Redemption
If you are claiming any of these expenses, you must have a
receipt,
invoice, voucher, canceled check, or other evidence that the
expense has been incurred. As to attorney fees for
services prior to the filing
of a complaint to foreclose the rights of redemption, an actual
expense
must be incurred and proven. After the filing of such a
complaint, the
purchaser is entitled to receive full reimbursement of attorney’s
fees.
All claims for attorney fees and any other expenses must be
supported
by a receipt, invoice, etc. |
 |
 Properties
Purchased at Tax Sale
This clarification is necessary due to the numerous complaints
we have had from persons who believe that the government is
guaranteeing clear title to and existence of properties sold at
tax sale.
A purchase made at tax sale should be considered as no more than
purchasing the right to file an action for quiet title to the
property purchased. The government makes no guarantee as to the
existence of the property nor its clear title. Properties may
be subject to senior tax and other liens, may not constitute
lawful parcels of record, may have no development rights, may be
subject to boundary disputes, or may not exist in reality.
Prior to purchase at tax sale, those wishing to purchase should
undertake research of the properties available. |
