Annual Tax Sale Auction
- 2025 Tax Sale Listing and Map (Available February 7, 2025 for our March 7, 2025 Online Tax Sale at 10:00 am)
- Bid Online
- HELP! My Property is Listed in the Tax Sale
- Over-the-Counter Tax Lien Certificates available to purchase
- Balance of Bid List/Excess Funds List
- Tax Sale Auction General Information
- Successful Bidders/Tax Sale Lien Certificate Holders Requirements
- Assignment/Re-Assignment of Tax Sale Form
- Tax Lien Release Form
- 2024 Final Tax Sale Report
- 2023 Final Tax Sale Report
- 2022 Final Tax Sale Report
- 2021 Final Tax Sale Report
- 2020 Tax Sale Final Report
- 2019 Tax Sale Final Report
- 2018 Tax Sale Final Report
- 2017 Tax Sale Final Report
- 2016 Tax Sale Final Report
- Historic Tax Sale Final Reports
Tax Sale Information
The St. Mary's County Tax Sale is held each year on the 1st Friday of March for the previous tax year. In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland Tax - Property, Title 14 Subtitle 8, Part III, the delinquent tax payer(s) must be advertised in the local newspaper for four (4) weeks prior to the sale. A purchase made at tax sale should be considered as no more than purchasing the right to file an action for title to the property purchased. The County makes no guarantee as to the existence of the property or its clear title. Properties may be subject to senior tax credit recaptures, Homeowners' tax credit recaptures, and other liens. The properties may not constitute lawful parcels of record, may have no development rights, may be subject to boundary disputes or may not exist. Prior to purchase at tax sale, those wishing to purchase should undertake thorough research of the properties available.
The Treasurer's Office holds a public auction to satisfy the taxes. Properties may also be sold for delinquent MetCom or Town of Leonardtown, water and sewer bills. If you are the successful bidder you will receive a copy of the "Certificate of Sale" which will give you the right to start your legal proceedings as outlined in legislation, such as Tax-Property, sections 14-833 and 14-843. Please note that holding a "Certificate of Sale" does not give you title or rights to the property.
If you are the successful online bidder, payment will be withdrawn from your approved bank account used when applying to be a bidder with RealAuction. This will be the amount paid on account and will be deducted from your bid. If there is a balance due on the bid it will become due if you take title to the property by an order from the court transferring the deed of ownership.
Property owners have a period in which to redeem their property. If the property has not been redeemed within this period, the bidder can start the necessary steps to obtain title. Contacting an attorney is the most common practice to have them begin the legal work needed to take title to the property.
If the property is redeemed, the bidder will be notified when a check is mailed to the bidder for reimbursement of the taxes and any interest earned. The interest rate is set at an annual rate of 6% through the month of redemption.
In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland Tax - Property, section 14-843, only the expenses outlined in legislation may be reimbursed. If you are claiming 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 administrative fees and attorney's fees as outlined.