If you do not pay your property taxes, the government will often take steps to sell a lien on the property to collect the owed taxes. In Maryland, there is a right of redemption that allows the property owner to buy back the rights to the property within a certain period after the sale.
If you are facing foreclosure or tax sale proceedings, it is essential to speak with a tax lien attorney or tax sale attorney who can advise you of your options and help you protect your rights.
Understanding the Right of Redemption in Maryland
If you do not pay your property taxes, Maryland law allows the government to sell the land at a tax sale – or – more accurately – to sell a lien on the property called a tax lien. However, a right of redemption entitles the property owner to buy back their rights to property within the specified timeframe established by state law. A Maryland tax lien attorney and a Maryland tax sale attorney can help you understand this provision of law if you face foreclosure or tax sale.
The right of redemption typically lasts 180 days after the sale, giving the owner enough time to pay off the delinquent taxes and some interest and fees. The owner can then keep their land without penalties or further issues regarding ownership rights.
Receiving Notice of the Sale
Generally, a tax collector must send notice to any owner of the record before a sale. The cost of mailing the notice cannot exceed 50 cents, and if it does not reach the owner because it was sent to an incorrect address or returned as undeliverable, then the sale could be invalid.
In addition, if there is no consideration at all paid in the tax sale, then it is invalid, and no right of redemption exists.
The right to redeem does not apply in all situations:
Suppose the owner fails to pay the additional taxes due after a sale for unpaid property taxes (called delinquent taxes). In that case, the government can sell the land again at another tax sale without giving them a chance to redeem their property.
If the owner has been convicted of a felony or other crime related to owning or possessing land, then the right of redemption is automatically waived.
Paying off the Taxes and Fees
To redeem the property, the owner must pay the delinquent taxes, plus any interest and fees that have accrued since the sale – including legal fees incurred by the tax sale purchaser. The total amount must be paid within the redemption period, typically 180 days after the sale.
If the owner cannot afford to pay the total amount, programs are often available that can help. A Maryland tax lien attorney or Maryland tax sale attorney can provide more information about these programs and help you get started on the process.
Protecting Your Rights
If you are facing foreclosure or tax sale proceedings, it is essential to speak with a Maryland tax lien attorney or Maryland tax sale attorney who can advise you of your options and help you protect your rights. The attorneys at LewisMcDaniels have decades of experience helping property owners in this situation.
Learn more about the firm’s practice areas and client testimonials by visiting the main website at https://pendragonconsultingllc.com/lewismcdaniels/. Get in touch with us today by sending us a secure message via our website.