Maryland · money left over after a tax-deed sale

You can claim it yourself, for free

Who holds it

Tax collector of the county or Baltimore City that sold the tax lien

How long

The collector must notify the former owner within 90 days after giving the buyer a deed. If the owner can't be found, the money is held at least 3 years; then a court may forfeit it to the county. You can still seek repayment within 7 years of that order.

How you claim

Claim the surplus from the county tax collector through the county's claim process. A court order is usually not needed unless someone disputes it.

If someone offers to do it for you

Fee limits: Not researched yet — ask the clerk.
You never need to pay anyone to file.

Checklist: Maryland, money left over after a tax-deed sale

Who holds it: Tax collector of the county or Baltimore City that sold the tax lien

How long: The collector must notify the former owner within 90 days after giving the buyer a deed. If the owner can't be found, the money is held at least 3 years; then a court may forfeit it to the county. You can still seek repayment within 7 years of that order.

How you claim: Claim the surplus from the county tax collector through the county's claim process. A court order is usually not needed unless someone disputes it.

Your deadline: ____________ (confirm it with the clerk)

Steps

Watch for the collector's surplus notice (within 90 days after the deed).
Check the county's surplus list, if it has one (e.g., Carroll County).
Contact the county tax office and follow its claim process.
If the claim is disputed, the money goes to court to decide.

Documents

Photo ID
Owner deceased: letters of administration for the personal representative

What it costs you

Not researched yet — ask the clerk

If someone offers to do it for you

Fee limits: Not researched yet — ask the clerk.
You never need to pay anyone to file.

Official links

Md. Tax-Property §14-818: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtp&section=14-818&enactments=false
Md. Tax-Property §14-819 (unlocated owners): https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtp&section=14-819&enactments=false
Carroll County – Surplus Funds List FAQ: https://carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/comptroller/frequently-asked-questions-comptroller

Source: Md. Code, Tax-Property §14-818; Md. Code, Tax-Property §14-819; Md. Code, Tax-Prop. §14-818(a)(4); Md. Code, Tax-Prop. §14-818(a)(5); Md. Code, Tax-Prop. §14-818(a)(6); Md. Code, Tax-Prop. §14-819(a)-(b); Md. Code, Tax-Prop. §14-819(d)-(e); Md. Code, Tax-Prop. §14-817(b)(1)-(2). Researched, not yet checked by a lawyer; confirm with the clerk. Not legal advice.