Annual Tax Sale Auction

Tax Sale Information

The St. Mary’s County Tax Sale is held each year on the first Friday of March for the preceding tax year. In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland Tax - Property, Title 14 Subtitle 8, Part III, delinquent taxpayers are advertised in a local newspaper for four (4) consecutive weeks prior to the sale.

All properties are sold at tax sale strictly on an “AS IS, WHERE IS” basis, with all faults, and without any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, by St. Mary’s County. A purchase at tax sale should be considered as no more than the purchase of the right to file an action to foreclose the right of redemption as provided by law. The County makes no representation or guarantee as to the existence, condition, location, boundaries, access, zoning, permitted use, environmental condition, habitability, or marketability of any property, nor as to the status of title or the ability to obtain clear title.

Properties may be subject to senior tax credit recaptures, homeowners’ tax credit recaptures, municipal liens, utility charges, or other liens not extinguished by the tax sale. Properties may not constitute lawful parcels of record, may have no development or building rights, may be subject to boundary disputes, may be landlocked, may be subject to easements or restrictions, or may not physically exist. No County employee or agent is authorized to make representations regarding any property offered for sale. Prospective purchasers are strongly encouraged to conduct thorough and independent due diligence prior to bidding.

The Treasurer’s Office conducts a public auction for the purpose of collecting delinquent taxes. Properties may also be sold for delinquent MetCom charges or Town of Leonardtown water and sewer bills. If you are the successful bidder, you will receive a Certificate of Sale, which grants only the right to commence legal proceedings as authorized by statute, including Md. Code, Tax–Property §14-833 and §14-843. Holding a Certificate of Sale does not convey title, possession, or any ownership interest in the property.

If you are the successful online bidder, payment will be withdrawn from the approved bank account provided during bidder registration with RealAuction. The amount withdrawn represents the initial payment on account and will be credited against your bid. Any remaining balance becomes due only upon title being obtained pursuant to an order of the Circuit Court transferring ownership. The County makes no assurance that title will ever be obtained.

Property owners retain a statutory right to redeem their property within the applicable redemption period. If the property is not redeemed, the bidder may initiate the legal steps required to foreclose the right of redemption and seek title through the court. Most bidders retain legal counsel to undertake this process.

If the property is redeemed, the bidder will be reimbursed with a check by mail. The refund will be in the amount of taxes paid by the bidder plus interest at the annual rate of 6% through the month of redemption.

In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland Tax - Property, section §14-843, only expenses outlined in the legislation may be reimbursed. If you are claiming any of these expenses to be paid by a property owner, you must have a receipt, invoice, voucher, canceled check, or other evidence that the expense has been incurred. After filing a complaint with the court, the bidder is entitled to receive reimbursement of the attorney’s fees as outlined.

Annual Tax Sale Auction

Tax Sale Information

Additional Links and Resources

Taxes - Real Property

Taxes - Personal Property

Tax Credit Programs and Exemptions

General Information