Maryland Tax Deed & Tax Lien Sales 2026

How tax sales work in Maryland

Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City each hold an annual tax lien sale, most in May or June, though a few counties sell in the fall or at other times. The collector advertises the parcels for several weeks and then sells certificates of sale to the highest bidder. Bidding is by premium above the lien amount. The buyer pays the taxes, interest and costs at the sale; the treatment of the premium varies by county. Under the high-bid premium system used in Baltimore City and some counties, the buyer pays only a percentage of the excess at sale and the balance if and when the foreclosure is completed. Almost all jurisdictions now run the sale online through a contracted platform, with registration and deposits due in advance.

Redemption and interest

The owner redeems by paying the lien amount plus interest at the county’s rate, ranging from about 6 percent to 20 percent per year, plus the expenses the certificate holder is allowed to charge after certain notices. The holder may file a complaint to foreclose the right of redemption after six months from the sale date, and some jurisdictions impose a longer waiting period for owner-occupied homes. The suit is filed in circuit court and names the owner and all lienholders; the owner can redeem until judgment. If the holder does not file within two years of the sale, the certificate is void and the money paid is lost. A judgment foreclosing redemption directs the collector to deliver a deed, and the buyer must then pay the balance of the bid.

When and where sales happen

Sale dates cluster in late spring, with Baltimore City in May and Montgomery, Prince George’s, Baltimore County and most others in May or June. A few counties have used different months. Each jurisdiction posts its terms, rates and advertised list on its website.

What to check before you bid

Learn the specific county’s interest rate, premium rule and expense reimbursement caps. In Baltimore City, check for ground rent, environmental citations and water bills. Search the land records for mortgages and IRS liens, whose holders will be defendants in your suit. Confirm occupancy and whether the property is a vacant lot or a rowhouse shell. Model the foreclosure timeline, which often runs a year or more after the six-month wait.

How AuctionScouts helps here

AuctionScouts aggregates the advertised lists from Maryland counties and Baltimore City, scores each parcel from 0 to 100, and flags recorded liens whose holders will need to be named in a foreclosure. The calendar tracks each jurisdiction’s registration deadline and sale date.