Tax Delinquency in Prince George’s County: A Homeowner’s Guide to Saving Your Equity

If you have received a “Notice of Tax Sale” from the Prince George’s County Treasury Division, it is easy to panic. The threat of losing your home over a debt is terrifying, but it is important to know that you have specific rights and a window of time to fix the situation.

This guide is designed to help Prince George’s County homeowners understand the local tax sale process, the redemption timeline, and how to protect your financial future—whether you decide to keep the house or sell it to save your equity.

The Prince George’s County Tax Sale: What You Need to Know

In Prince George’s County, if property taxes remain unpaid, the county does not immediately seize your house. Instead, they sell a Tax Lien Certificate to an investor at a public auction.

This auction is held annually, typically in May. (Note: The 2026 Tax Sale is scheduled for May 2026).

When an investor buys this certificate, they have effectively paid your taxes for you. Now, you owe the money to them, plus high interest and potential legal fees.

Important Contact Information & Links

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

The 4 Stages of the Tax Process in PG County

Maryland law is very specific about timelines. Here is what you can expect:

1. The Warning (Feb – April) You will receive final notices in the mail. The county will also advertise your property in local newspapers (like The Enquirer Gazette or Prince George’s Post) and on the Official Tax Sale Website for four weeks prior to the sale.

2. The Auction (May 2026) If the taxes aren’t paid by the deadline (usually the Friday before the sale, May 2026), the county sells the lien at the online auction. You do not lose your home on this day. You still own the deed.

3. The Redemption Period (Your Safety Net) This is the most critical phase. You have a “Right of Redemption” to pay back the taxes plus interest (typically 20% per annum in PG County) to stop the process.

  • Non-Owner Occupied: The investor must wait 6 months from the sale date before they can start foreclosure.
  • Owner-Occupied (Principal Residence): The investor must wait 9 months from the sale date.

4. Foreclosure of Right of Redemption If you have not paid the debt by the end of the waiting period, the investor can file a lawsuit in the Circuit Court to foreclose. You can check for legal filings against your property using the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.

The Hidden Cost: Why Waiting is Expensive

Many homeowners think, “I have 6 months, I’ll wait.” This is a dangerous trap.

Once the tax lien is sold, the costs skyrocket. You aren’t just paying the back taxes anymore; you are paying:

  • 20% Interest: This accrues from the day of the sale.
  • Legal Fees: Once the investor hires an attorney to file the foreclosure complaint (after the 6 or 9-month mark), they can add hundreds or thousands of dollars in legal fees to your bill.
  • High Bid Premium: In Maryland, investors often bid more than the taxes owed. You may have to pay this premium back in certain foreclosure scenarios.

Your Options: Keep It or Sell It?

Option 1: Pay the Redemption Amount If you have the funds, you can pay the Treasury Division directly. This stops the process immediately. You should request a “Payoff Quote” from the Treasury Division to ensure you pay the exact amount needed to clear the lien.

Option 2: Sell the House and Keep the Equity If you cannot afford the ballooning tax bill, or if the house needs repairs you can’t afford, selling is often the smartest move.

You CAN sell a house with a tax lien. When you sell to a buyer like Consistent Homebuyers, we pay the county (and the tax lien investor) off at the closing table. You walk away with the remaining profit.

  • Example: Your house is worth $300k. You owe $10k in taxes. We buy it, pay the $10k to the county, and you get the remaining $290k (minus any other mortgage/liens).
  • The Alternative: If you let it go to foreclosure, the investor gets the house for the $10k debt, and you get $0.

How Consistent Homebuyers Helps PG County Homeowners

We are local to the DC/MD area and specialize in tax delinquent properties. We know the Upper Marlboro court system and the specific deadlines for Prince George’s County.

  • We Buy As-Is: Many tax-delinquent homes in areas like Oxon Hill, Capitol Heights, or Suitland may have deferred maintenance. We don’t care. We buy them in any condition.
  • We Close Fast: If your redemption period is ending soon, we can expedite the title work to close in as little as 7 days, ensuring the tax lien is paid before the investor can foreclose.
  • No Realtor Fees: You keep more of your equity to start fresh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my house after the tax sale has happened? Yes! You officially own the house until the Circuit Court grants the final judgment of foreclosure. This is usually at least 9–12 months after the tax sale date.

What happens if I owe more in taxes than the house is worth? This is rare, but if it happens, a traditional sale might not work. However, give us a call—we can sometimes negotiate with the lien holders (called a “short sale”) to accept less than what is owed.

Do I have to move out immediately? No. Even after the tax sale, you have the right to live in your home during the redemption period. You only have to move if the court eventually signs the foreclosure order.

Need a Hand with the Logistics?

Dealing with the Treasury Division 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.

Stop The Interest. Save Your Equity. If you are behind on taxes in Prince George’s 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.

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More Resources for Prince George’s County Homeowners