Greenbelt Property Tax Lien Attorney

Lawyer Defending Clients from Property Tax Liens in Greenbelt, MD

Unpaid property taxes can have serious consequences for homeowners. They can potentially lead to liens on a property and, in some cases, foreclosure. In Greenbelt and other parts of Maryland, property tax debts as small as a few hundred dollars can lead to the loss of a home. Homeowners may find themselves facing eviction or the sale of their home if they are unable to repay the debt. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we help homeowners protect their homes from foreclosure by addressing property tax liens and exploring legal solutions, including bankruptcy.

Property tax liens can be especially devastating for vulnerable homeowners, such as seniors who have lived in their homes for decades and who may have limited income or savings. Our firm understands the urgency of these situations, and we provide compassionate legal support to help clients defend against foreclosure, preserve their equity, and explore all available options for resolving property tax issues.

Why Property Tax Liens Are Placed on Homes

A tax lien may be placed on a home when the owner fails to pay property taxes owed to the local government. This lien allows the government to claim the property as collateral for the unpaid debt. In Maryland, as in many other states, local governments often sell these liens to private companies or investors, who then take on the responsibility of collecting debts from homeowners.

If a homeowner does not pay the outstanding tax debt, along with interest and fees, the lienholder can move forward with a foreclosure. This process allows the lienholder to take possession of the home, evict the owner, and sell the property to recover the debt. Because of this, even a relatively small property tax debt—sometimes as little as $200—can result in the loss of a home.

When Property Tax Liens Can Lead to Foreclosure

In Maryland, the property tax foreclosure process can begin when taxes remain unpaid for as little as one year. Once a lien is sold to a private party, the lienholder gains the right to foreclose if the homeowner does not satisfy the debt within a certain period, typically six months to two years. During this time, the homeowner has the opportunity to redeem the property by paying the full amount of the debt, along with interest and fees.

If the homeowner fails to redeem the property, the lienholder can file a foreclosure lawsuit and request the sale of the home. After foreclosure, the homeowner will be evicted, and the home will be sold, often at a significant profit to the lienholder. This process can be particularly harmful for seniors and others on fixed incomes who may not have the financial resources to pay these debts in time.

Defending Against Foreclosure and Resolving Property Tax Liens

At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we understand that the threat of losing your home to foreclosure can seem overwhelming. However, it is important to understand that you have options. Our experienced attorney can help you defend your home, explore alternatives to foreclosure, and develop a plan to resolve unpaid property taxes. Some of the key strategies we may be able to use include:

• Filing for Bankruptcy: Bankruptcy can provide a powerful defense against foreclosure. When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect, temporarily stopping all collection actions, including foreclosure proceedings. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can create a repayment plan that will allow you to pay off your unpaid property taxes over time, often stretching payments out over three to five years. This approach can provide you with the time and flexibility needed to resolve tax debts without losing your home.
• Negotiating With Lienholders: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate directly with the lienholder or the local government to resolve the debt. We can work on your behalf to seek a settlement or a more manageable payment arrangement, allowing you to pay off the debt and remove the lien from your property.
• Selling the Home to Preserve Equity: If you will be unable to stay in your home, we can help you explore the option of selling your property on your own terms. By selling the home before foreclosure, you can protect the equity you have built up and use the proceeds to pay off the tax debt. This approach can help avoid the financial losses that come with a forced foreclosure sale.

Challenging the Foreclosure Process: In some situations, you may have grounds to challenge foreclosure proceedings. Our attorney can evaluate the foreclosure notice and filing to ensure that the process was conducted legally and that your rights were respected. We can provide representation to ensure that you will be able to resolve your case successfully.

Contact Our Greenbelt Foreclosure Defense Attorney for Help With Property Tax Liens

If you are facing foreclosure due to unpaid property taxes, you do not have to handle this situation alone. At The Law Office of Donald L. Bell, we can help you take steps to protect your home from foreclosure and file for bankruptcy if necessary. Contact us and arrange a free consultation by calling our office at 301-614-0535. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you defend your home and secure your financial future.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.