Tax Sale

Tax Sale General Info

The sale is currently held in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (Map and Directions). Prospective bidders may register for the sale at the Howard Building beginning at 8:30 a.m. the day of the sale or up to the start of the auction or pre-register by calling 410-313-3196. A $1,000.00 deposit in cash, certified check or money order is required.

All successful bidders must pay the amount of back taxes, interest and costs plus a High Bid Premium (if applicable) by 2:00 pm the following business day. The successful bidder will earn interest at a rate of 18% per year from the day of Tax Sale until the property is redeemed. Any property not sold by Tax Sale is, by law purchased by the County. Once the Tax Sale is complete, these unsold properties are no longer available for sale.

Property owners may redeem their property any time prior to the issuance of a court decree foreclosing the right of redemption. All redemption fees must be paid by certified funds. To redeem property, owners must pay the amount paid by the bidder at tax sale, additional interest of 18% per annum (calculated from the day of the sale to the day of redemption) and any new taxes that have accrued. If the property is redeemed after four (4) months from the date of Tax Sale, the bidder may also charge legal fees and expenses to the property owner. In this case, the property owner must obtain a Letter of Release prior to redemption.

Purchasers can begin foreclosure proceedings six (6) months and one (1) day from the date of sale, and have up to two years from the date of the certificate of sale to start these proceedings.