If you do not redeem your property within 9 months of the tax sale, you are at risk of losing your house. The person or company that purchased the tax sale lien can go to court to get ownership of your house.

You should seek legal help right away to respond if you receive court papers. Do not ignore the court papers. If you do nothing, the court could rule against you and enter a judgment, which would give the other party the right to the house.

For free legal help call Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service at 410-547-6537 or visit http://www.mvlslaw.org or call the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau at 888-465-2468 or visit http://www.mdlab.org.

* If you lose your house, you might be entitled to some compensation but you need to go through a legal process to get it. Seek legal help.