Getting Your Home Back After a Tax Sale in Maine
How long you have to redeem a home after a property tax sale or tax lien sale in Maine, and how to do it.
Short answer: Maine uses a tax lien process rather than a tax sale. Filing a tax lien certificate creates a tax lien mortgage in favor of the town. The owner can redeem by paying the tax, interest and costs; 36 M.R.S. § 943
| Property tax sales | Maine uses a tax lien process rather than a tax sale. Filing a tax lien certificate creates a tax lien mortgage in favor of the town. The owner can redeem by paying the tax, interest and costs; if they are not paid within 18 months after the certificate is filed, the lien automatically forecloses. The town treasurer must send a notice of impending automatic foreclosure 30 to 45 days before the foreclosure date; a person who does not get timely notice may redeem until 30 days after notice is given. If the lien forecloses, the town owns the property and may sell it and return any excess proceeds under 36 M.R.S. § 943-C. 36 M.R.S. § 943-C (sale and excess proceeds) was not read in full. Source: 36 M.R.S. § 943 |
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More Maine foreclosure & homeowner law
- How Foreclosure Works in Maine
- Redemption and Deficiency Judgments in Maine
- HOA Liens and Foreclosure in Maine
- All Maine foreclosure & homeowner law rules
FAQ
How do you get your home back after a tax sale in Maine?
Maine uses a tax lien process rather than a tax sale. Filing a tax lien certificate creates a tax lien mortgage in favor of the town. The owner can redeem by paying the tax, interest and costs; if they are not paid within 18 months after the certificate is filed, the lien automatically forecloses. The town treasurer must send a notice of impending automatic foreclosure 30 to 45 days before the foreclosure date; a person who does not get timely notice may redeem until 30 days after notice is given. If the lien forecloses, the town owns the property and may sell it and return any excess proceeds under 36 M.R.S. § 943-C.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.