Tyler v. Hennepin County
2023A U.S. Supreme Court case holding that a government cannot keep the surplus value of a property beyond the tax debt, which has influenced discussions regarding excess proceeds in tax sales nationwide.
MD
Maryland
Tax Deed
Maryland tax lien auctions involve the sale of tax lien certificates, not the property itself, to the highest bidder. Purchasers buy the right to collect delinquent taxes plus interest. If the property owner fails to redeem the lien within the statutory period, the purchaser may initiate a judicial foreclosure to obtain title.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 24 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax lien certificate
- Redemption period
- 6–9 months minimum
- Sale frequency
- Annual
- Minimum bid
- Taxes, interest, penalties, costs
- Deed type
- Tax sale deed (post-foreclosure)
- Bidder deposit
- Varies (often $100+ fee)
- Foreclosure action
- Required in Circuit Court
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Lien |
| Redemption Period | The redemption period begins on the date of the tax sale and continues until the right of redemption is foreclosed by a final decree of the Circuit Court. The statutory waiting period before initiating foreclosure is 6 months for general properties and 9 months for owner-occupied residential properties. If a foreclosure action is not filed within 2 years from the date of the certificate of sale, the certificate becomes void. |
| Penalty / Interest | Interest rates are determined by the county and specified on the certificate of sale, typically ranging between 6% and 20% per annum. Interest is calculated daily from the date of sale to the date of redemption payment. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 24 |
| Typical Sale Month | May or June |
| Assessor Portal | https://dat.maryland.gov |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Tax sales are primarily conducted via online auctions, though some jurisdictions may use sealed bid processes. Pre-registration is mandatory and often requires a non-refundable fee. The minimum bid is the total of delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and costs. Winning bidders must pay the full bid amount, often including a high-bid premium, via certified funds or ACH.
Post-sale obligations
The purchaser does not gain possession of the property upon winning the bid; the owner retains possession until a court decree of foreclosure. The certificate holder must comply with strict notice requirements before filing a foreclosure complaint. The purchaser has no right to enter or maintain the property during the redemption period and assumes all risks of procedural irregularities.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Maryland tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$4,000
Timeline12 mo.
Notable counties
Key Maryland counties for tax deed investors.
Baltimore City
Highest volume of sales; utilizes specific in rem foreclosure procedures for vacant/nuisance properties.
Montgomery County
Known for high property values and strict adherence to procedural requirements.
Frederick County
Frequently utilizes online-only auctions with high-bid premium structures.
Recent statutory changes
- Effective January 1, 2026: Senate Bill 192 (2025) increased protections for owner-occupied residential properties, including raising the tax sale withholding threshold to $1,000, extending the foreclosure filing wait time to 12 months for certain properties, and establishing the Homeowner Protection Program.
How to bid at a Maryland tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Maryland tax deed sales.
- 1
Research properties
Review the county's published list of delinquent properties and conduct independent title and property research.
- 2
Register online
Complete the required registration on the county's designated auction portal before the deadline.
- 3
Pay registration fee
Submit the non-refundable registration fee as required by the specific county.
- 4
Attend auction
Participate in the online auction at the scheduled time and place bids according to the county's rules.
- 5
Pay winning bid
Remit the full payment for the tax lien certificate via the required method by the specified deadline.
- 6
Monitor redemption
Track the property status and wait for the statutory period to expire before initiating foreclosure.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Maryland.
Mandates the sale of property for delinquent taxes.
Governs the conduct of the tax sale and bidding procedures.
Defines the owner's right of redemption.
Sets the timeline for filing a foreclosure action.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Maryland tax deed investors.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Maryland tax deed investors.
- The owner retains the right to redeem until a court enters a final decree of foreclosure. The owner must pay the certificate holder the bid amount, interest, and authorized expenses.
- You must file a 'Complaint to Foreclose the Right of Redemption' in Circuit Court to obtain title. This is a judicial process, not a simple deed transfer.
- The sale is 'as-is' with no warranty of title. If the sale is declared void due to procedural errors, the purchaser may only receive a refund of the purchase price without interest.
- The owner may contest the validity of the tax sale in the foreclosure proceeding. If the court finds the sale invalid, the certificate is voided.
- Most counties now use online auction platforms. Bidders compete by offering the lowest interest rate or, in high-bid premium counties, by bidding a premium over the tax amount.
- There is no statutory right to inspect properties. Bidders are responsible for their own due diligence, as the county does not guarantee property condition or occupancy status.
How does Maryland's redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks should a buyer know?
What happens if the owner challenges the sale?
How are auctions conducted?
Can I inspect properties before bidding?
Title Risk Flags
Tax sales can be voided due to errors in notice, assessment, or prior payment. Certain federal tax liens or other encumbrances may not be extinguished by the tax sale process. The county provides no warranty regarding marketable title or property condition.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.