Maryland · County auction knowledge
Howard County auction guide
Howard County auctions tax lien certificates through its annual tax sale. The 2026 sale was held online on June 10; no later date is confirmed on the county's page.
What you buy
The certificate is a tax lien, not ownership of the property. The sale covers delinquent taxes, water and sewer bills and other liens. Properties may leave the list as bills are paid, so check the current list and certificate terms before bidding.
Registration
Bidders register online during the county's announced window; mail and email registration are not accepted. The 2026 sale required a $1,000 deposit by ACH debit and a bank account for the deposit and purchases. Confirm the amount and dates for the next sale.
Budget and bids
Set a budget for the maximum you will spend on certificates. In the sealed-bid sale, enter the highest bid you will accept; the initial bid must cover taxes and charges, interest, penalties and expenses. The FAQ says non-bidders receive their deposit by ACH within 48 hours.
Lists and unsold certificates
The county advertises properties in a local newspaper for four weeks before the sale; copies must be purchased from the publisher. It may hold an assignment sale afterward for unsold properties, with separate instructions posted after the auction.
Official references
Schedules and procedures can change. This guide summarizes the cited sources; the county’s current auction notice controls the requirements for a particular sale.