Tax sale

Property tax bills not paid by April 1 and water and sewer bills not paid on time are considered liens against the property and could result in sale at the annual tax sale.

At the tax sale, the property is sold at public auction to the highest bidder. Bidding starts at taxes due plus interest and penalties and other expenses incurred in making the sale. The lien on the property then passes to the tax sale purchaser, who is issued a tax sale certificate that is valid for two years, unless the property is redeemed. For redemption to occur, in general, the property owner must pay the county the following:

1. The total price paid at the tax sale for the property together with interest

2. Any taxes, interest, and penalties paid by any holder of the certificate of sale

3. Any taxes, interest, and penalties accruing after the date of the tax sale

4. Any expenses or fees for which the holder of the certificate of sale is entitled for reimbursement in any action or preparation for foreclosure on the property

Registration Information

Harford County does not accept over-the-counter bids after the sale; you must be registered online in order to purchase certificates. Pre-registration and instructions for the 2023 tax sale will be available spring of 2023 at the Official Tax Sale website.

For more information on state law governing tax sales, please see §14-808 thru §14-859 of the Maryland State Code.


2022 Tax Sale Documents

Assignment of 2022 Tax Sale Certificate (PDF)
Terms of Sale 2022 (PDF)
2022 Tax Sale Results

2021 Tax Sale Documents

Assignment of 2021 Tax Sale Certificate (PDF)
Terms of Sale (PDF)
2021 Tax Sale Results

2020 Tax Sale Documents

Assignment of 2020 Tax Sale Certificate
Terms of Sale 2020 (PDF) - Delayed due to COVID-19
2020 Tax Sale Results

Other Tax Sale Documents

2019 Tax Sale Results
Assignment of 2019 Tax Sale Certificate (PDF)

2018 Tax Sale Results
Assignment of 2018 Tax Sale Certificate (PDF)

2017 Tax Sale Results
Assignment of 2017 Tax Sale Certificate (PDF)

2016 Tax Sale Results
Assignment of 2016 Tax Sale Certificate

2015 Tax Sale Results
Assignment of 2015 Tax Sale Certificate

2014 Tax Sale Results
Assignment of 2014 Tax Sale Certificate

2013 Tax Sale Results

2012 Tax Sale Results

2011 Tax Sale Results

2010 Tax Sale Results

2009 Tax Sale Results

2008 Tax Sale Results