Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney in Maryland for advice on your specific situation.
Detailed Answer
In Maryland, simply paying property taxes on someone else’s real property does not grant you any ownership interest. Your payment creates a lien for the taxing authority, not a transfer of title.
Tax Lien Created by Unpaid Taxes
Under Maryland law, unpaid property taxes automatically become a lien on the property in favor of the local government. See Md. Tax-Property Code §14-801 (link).
Tax Sale Certificate
If the owner fails to pay these taxes, the county may sell a tax lien certificate at a public auction. A third party who pays the taxes at auction receives a tax sale certificate—not title to the property. This certificate entitles the holder to interest and penalties on the amount paid.
Redemption Period and Foreclosure
The property owner (or junior lienholders) has a redemption period—typically six months—to repay the certificate holder. See Md. Tax-Property Code §14-817 (link). If the owner does not redeem within that timeframe, the certificate holder may file for a tax sale deed. Only then can the holder acquire title to the property through foreclosure procedures.
Recording of the Tax Sale Deed
Once the court awards a deed, the certificate holder must record it in the land records. The recorded deed transfers ownership. See Md. Real Property Code §7-101 (link).
Absent these formal steps (tax sale purchase, missed redemption, court deed), paying property taxes alone does not give you any estate, interest, or right of possession in the real property.
Helpful Hints
- Review the county’s tax sale procedures online or at the tax collector’s office before bidding on a certificate.
- Keep track of redemption deadlines to protect your investment or avoid losing certificate rights.
- Consult an attorney to navigate foreclosure and deed-recording requirements.
- Pay attention to additional fees and interest rates that apply to tax sale certificates.
- Confirm the property owner’s identity and any other liens that may affect your priority.