What is a tax sale?

If the property taxes or other local government charges, such as a water bill, are not paid, the homeowner owes a debt to the government. By law, the government may sell the debt at a public auction, which is called a tax lien certificate. The government does this to collect the money it is owed as fast as possible, and to avoid collecting debts from individual homeowners. After the auction, if the bill is still not paid the purchaser of the tax lien certificate may eventually file with the court to receive the deed to the property. The tax lien certificate holder will now own your property!

Why am I entitled to money if my house is sold at tax sale?

As real estate values continued to rise through 2008, many purchasers of tax lien certificates paid more at auction than the amount of the taxes and other fees owed on the property. Why would they bid more at auction than what was owed? For a small investment they may eventually end up with the deed to the property - your property - if the tax bill goes unpaid! However, after the deed is transferred to the tax lien holder, you are entitled to the amount of overpayment made at auction.

How much money are we talking about?

Just as every property is unique, each tax sale is different and the dollar amount varies. If the holder of tax lien certificate paid more than the taxes due at the tax sale auction, the property owner may be entitled to receive the dollar amount of the overpayment from the government. We will investigate your situation, determine the amount that is due to you, and obtain those dollars on your behalf.

How long does it take for me to receive my money?

It may take as little as 7 days to receive you money although most of our customers receive their money within 2-3 weeks. In the very limited cases when we have to petition the court, it will take considerably longer. We commit to make a prompt application for your money. However, the funds are held by the government and from time to time, the government is slow processing requests.

If my family member who owned the house that was sold at tax sale is deceased, can our family recovery the money?

Yes, very likely. Each situation is unique and our attorneys will evaluate your specific situation. However, in the instance where the property owner is deceased, if appropriate, our attorneys will open an estate with the Orphan's Court of the jurisdiction and process the family's claim through the estate with that court.

My signature must be notarized on certain Money Recovery Consultants, LLC forms, where do I find a notary?

We employ a Notary Public and we will send that Notary to your home (if you live within a 40 mile radius of Baltimore, MD) to witness you signing the documents. We do not charge for this service. You can also use a notary of your choice. Many banks offer this service to their customers, though sometimes for a small fee.

Why use the services of Money Recovery Consultants, LLC? Can I do this myself?

It may well be possible for you to collect the excess payments without Money Recovery Consultants, LLC. However, we have the experience to quickly locate and recover your money without inconvenience to you. We also have attorneys on staff familiar with the tax sale process in your area to assist when necessary. We are familiar with the local government procedures and estate tax laws, which may help avoid unnecessary legal complications and possible tax implications.

Do I have to pay Money Recovery Consultants, LLC if no money is recovered?

No. We receive no fee and there is no cost to you unless we recover your money. Our fee is paid only out of money we collect for you.

Can I still collect money if I have filed for bankruptcy?

Often the answer is yes. However, this is determined on a case by case basis. Our attorneys will be able to discuss your specific situation with you to help you learn if you can collect your money.

Do I have to pay taxes on the money I receive?

Most often the answer is no. However, Money Recovery Consultants is not a tax adviser and does not know your personal financial situation. We recommend that you contact an accountant or other tax advisor to advise you on any tax liability.