Tax Delinquency in Anne Arundel County: A Homeowner’s Guide to the 2026 Tax Sale

If you have received a “Notice of Sale” from the Anne Arundel County Office of Finance, you are likely feeling overwhelmed. The language is confusing, and the threat of an auction is scary.

But here is the truth: You still own your home, and you still have time to fix this.

This guide is designed to help homeowners in Anne Arundel County—from Glen Burnie to Annapolis—understand the June 2026 Tax Sale, the 18% penalty fees, and how to save your equity before it is too late.

The Anne Arundel County Tax Sale: How It Works

While some counties hold their sales in May, Anne Arundel County typically schedules its annual tax sale for early June.

The 2026 Auction: Expected June 2026 (The exact date is set by the County Controller each year, but it usually falls on the first or second Tuesday of June).

On this day, the county sells a Tax Lien Certificate against your property to an investor. The investor pays your past-due taxes, and in return, they earn the right to charge you high interest and eventually take ownership of your home if you don’t pay them back.

Important Contact Information & Links

To manage your tax situation effectively, use these official county resources:

The 2026 Timeline: What You Need to Know

1. The Notices (April – May 2026) If you have unpaid taxes, the county will mail you a final notice. They are also required by law to advertise your property in local newspapers (typically The Capital or Maryland Gazette) for four consecutive weeks prior to the sale.

2. The Auction (June 2026) If the debt isn’t paid by the deadline (usually the day before the sale), the lien is auctioned online. You do not lose your home on this day. You enter the “Redemption Period.”

3. The “4-Month” Danger Zone This is a unique rule in Maryland law that affects Anne Arundel County.

  • While the investor typically must wait 6 months to file for foreclosure, they can start charging you for their legal fees and title search costs after just 4 months.
  • This means if you wait until October or November 2026 to pay, your bill could suddenly jump by $1,000+ due to these added legal fees.

4. Foreclosure Filing (6 Months) If you have not paid the debt 6 months after the sale (around December 2026), the investor can file a foreclosure action in the Circuit Court to take full ownership of your property.

The Cost of Waiting: 18% Interest

Anne Arundel County has a high redemption interest rate set at 18% per annum.

  • How it works: Interest begins accruing from the day of the tax sale.
  • The “High Bid Premium”: In Anne Arundel County, investors often bid significantly more than the taxes owed. If you redeem the property, you generally don’t have to pay this premium back, but it complicates the process if the property goes to foreclosure.

Your Options: Keep It or Sell It?

Option 1: Redeem the Property (Keep It) To stop the process, you must pay the “Redemption Amount” in full.

  • Warning: You cannot pay in installments once the lien is sold. You must pay the full lump sum (Taxes + 18% Interest + Any Legal Fees) to the Office of Finance in Annapolis.

Option 2: Sell the House (Save Your Equity) If you are facing financial hardship and cannot afford the lump sum payment, selling the house is often the smartest way to protect your financial future.

We Can Buy Your House Before the Foreclosure.

  • We Pay the Lien: We handle the coordination with the Office of Finance and the lien holder to pay off the debt at closing.
  • You Get the Cash: You walk away with your remaining equity (Sale Price – Mortgage/Taxes = Your Check).
  • No Repairs: Whether you are in Pasadena, Severn, or Brooklyn Park, we buy houses in any condition.

How Consistent Homebuyers Helps AA County Homeowners

We are local to Maryland and understand the specific “4-month legal fee” window that catches many homeowners off guard.

  • Speed is Key: If you are approaching that 4-month mark (October 2026), we can close quickly to save you from paying those extra lawyer fees.
  • We Buy Problem Properties: Unpaid water bills? Inherited house? Code violations? We buy it all.
  • No Realtor Commissions: Selling to us saves you roughly 6% in commissions, keeping more money in your pocket.

Don’t let the county auction off your hard-earned equity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop the sale if I pay a portion of the taxes? Generally, no. Once the “Final Notice” is sent, Anne Arundel County usually requires the full amount of past-due taxes and interest to remove the property from the auction list.

Do I have to move out immediately after the sale? No. You have the right to live in your home during the entire redemption period. You are only at risk of eviction if the Circuit Court grants a final judgment of foreclosure, which is a process that takes many months.

What if I only owe money for water/sewer bills? In Anne Arundel County, unpaid utility charges are treated as a lien on the property. Your house can be sold at the tax sale just for unpaid water bills. We buy homes with utility liens as well.

Need a Hand with the Logistics?

Dealing with the tax office in Annapolis is bureaucratic and confusing. If you are struggling to find out exactly how much you owe, or if you want to know how much cash you could walk away with if you sold today, we are here to support you.

Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm or financial institution. We do not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend all clients consult with their own legal counsel or tax professional regarding their specific situation.

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Stop The Interest. Save Your Equity. If you are behind on taxes in Anne Arundel County, do not wait for the legal fees to pile up. Fill out the form below for a fair, no-obligation cash offer, or call us at (703) 687-0741 to discuss your situation confidentially.

More Resources for Anne Arundel County Homeowners