Wicomico County, Maryland

Tax Lien106,329 residents

County research last verified 2026-07. Office holders, platforms, and deposit rules change — re-confirm anything time-sensitive.

Sale typestate default

Tax Lien

Redemption periodstate default

6 months minimum before foreclosure action can start; up to 1 year+

Investor returnstate default

6–24% per annum, varies by county

Governing statutestate default

Maryland Tax-Property Code Title 14

Notes

Maryland tax LIEN certificate county. Wicomico County Director of Finance / Collector holds the annual public tax sale in-person at the Wicomico Civic Center, Midway Room, 500 Glen Ave, Salisbury (2026: June 9 at 10:00 a.m.). Pre-registration encouraged (ends June 8, 2026); day-of registration 8:30–9:30 a.m. Over-the-counter sale of unsold certificates runs June 23–December 31, 2026. Certificate of Sale only — foreclosure of right of redemption required for title. Delinquents advertised four times prior to sale.

Auction logistics

Format

In-person (Civic Center public auction); OTC for unsold certificates

Frequency

Annually early–mid June (2026: June 9); OTC residual sales through year-end

Platform

Wicomico County Department of Finance — Tax Sale ↗

Deposit rules

Pre-register with Finance (forms on county site). Day of sale: pay full taxes and charges due by cash or check; residue of bid remains on credit until foreclosure decree. No debit/credit cards within 5 days prior to sale. Delinquent owners may not bid. Submit W-9 and purchaser agreement for OTC.

Title risk

Liens that survive the sale

Certificate holder must foreclose the right of redemption in court. Federal tax liens and some governmental liens can survive.

Quiet title

Foreclosure of the right of redemption is mandatory to obtain deed/title.

Offices and records

Tax collector

Wicomico County Director of Finance / Collector of Taxes ↗

410-548-4840

Clerk of court

Wicomico County Circuit Court Clerk (foreclosure of redemption) ↗

Property appraiser

Wicomico / SDAT assessments ↗

GIS / parcel map

Wicomico County GIS / mapping ↗

Areas trending up

Directional read from dated market analysis — not a guarantee, and not a substitute for your own comps.

Downtown Salisbury / university edge

Salisbury University and regional medical employment supporting rental demand

North Salisbury / retail corridor

Commercial job access with relatively liquid workforce SF

Fruitland / southern fringe

More attainable inventory with commute access to Salisbury jobs