Annual Tax Sale Auction
TAX SALE INFORMATION
The St. Mary's County Tax Sale is usually held every year during the 1st week of
March for the previous tax year. In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland Tax - Property, section
14-817.1, the delinquent tax payer(s) must be advertised
in the local newspaper for four (4) weeks prior to the sale. A purchase made at
tax sale should be considered as no more than purchasing the right to file an action
for title to the property purchased. The government makes no guarantee as to the
existence of the property or 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.
The Treasurer's Office then holds a public auction to satisfy the taxes. Properties
may also be sold for delinquent MetCom water and sewer bills and delinquent tax liabilities for the Town of Leonardtown. 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 the 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.
If you are the successful bidder, payment must be made the day of the sale before
4:30 p.m. The amount needed for payment will be the amount advertised plus any subsequent
taxes that are due at this time. Payments can be made by cash or personal/business
check. This will be the amount paid on account and will be deducted from your bid.
If there is a balance due on the bid it will become due if you take title to the
property.
Property owners have six (6) months in which to redeem their property. If after
six (6) months the property has not been redeemed, the bidder can start the necessary
steps to obtain title. This means contacting an attorney and having them begin the
legal work needed to take title to the property.
If the property is redeemed, the bidder will be notified by mail and will be directed
to return the original “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.
In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland Tax - Property, section
14-817.1, the expenses incurred in an action to or in preparing
an action to foreclose the right of redemption are as following:
* 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 Right of Redemption
* Fee for necessary recording of documents associated with an action
to foreclose the Right 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 right 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…
