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1. What if I have questions concerning my tax bill?

The name, address, property description, and assessment shown on the property tax bill were certified to us by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Any questions you may have with regard to your name, address, property description, or assessed value should be directed to the supervisor of assessments for Caroline County at 207 South Third St, Denton, Maryland 21629. The phone number is 410-819-4450.

Any changes to your mailing address should also be sent to the supervisor of assessments for Caroline County. Address changes may also be submitted to the Caroline County Tax Office by using the back of the payment stub on your tax bill. The Tax Office will then forward the address information to the supervisor of assessments for Caroline County. Other property tax inquiries can be made to the Caroline County Tax Office at 410-479-0410

2. What if I receive a bill for property that I no longer own?

Return the bill to Caroline County Tax Office and include a short note explaining why the bill is being returned and the name and address of the new owner, if known. If your property was sold In June, you will get a bill because the cut off for the July 1 billing is May 30. The supplemental billing in August should automatically correct the ownership record and send a bill to the correct owner.

3. What if I don't get my bill?

Bills are mailed in early July. If you do not receive a bill by mid-month of the mailing date contact the Caroline County Office at 410-479-0410 or use this web site to obtain a duplicate bill.

4. What if I have a tax sale lien on my property?

Annual bills and the first installments of semi-annual bills are due on or before September 30 and become delinquent on October 1. The second semi-annual installment is due on or before December 31 and becomes delinquent January 1. Delinquent taxes are subject to interest and penalty at the rate of 1% per month of interest and a 3% penalty on county and municipal taxes as of January 1. Interest and penalties are applied to the net amount of the bill after any credits are applied.

Taxes which remain delinquent on April 1 of each year receive a final legal notice. Town assessments for water and sewer and other fees approved as tax liens by the town code are added to this notice and must be paid to the town in order to not be sold at tax sale. Payments made after mid-April must be in the form of cash, money order or certified check. Credit card payments may be made through Value Payments until two days before the date of sale. Delinquent taxes will result in the sale of the property tax lien through public tax sale.

The tax sale is held on the second Wednesday in June as determined by the comptroller. On this date the county will sell its first lien on the property to a tax sale purchaser. To remove this lien or "redeem the property," the owner or other person with a legal interest in the property may pay all outstanding fees and charges at any time until the right of redemption has been finally barred by decree of the circuit court in which the foreclosure proceeding is filed.

For more information regarding property redemption and tax sale, contact the Caroline County Tax Office at 410-479-0410.