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In this article recently written by Tashi McQueen, Afro Political Reporter, Margaret Henn is quoted addressing the impact of owner-occupied homes being removed from Baltimore City’s tax sale list.
Category: Tax Sale
“Baltimore’s Black homeowners deserve an equitable property tax system”
In this Op Ed, recently published in The AFRO, Deputy Director Margaret Henn asks the question, “When will the City commit to true tax sale reform?”.
“Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service to host free legal clinics for Baltimore homeowners facing tax sale” Article Published by The AFRO-American Newspaper
In a recent article written by Megan Sayles AFRO Business Writer, MVLS Deputy Director, Margaret Henn who is quoted, explains the tax sale system in Maryland, and how to get help.
“Maryland nonprofits to offer free legal counseling for homeowners with unpaid property taxes” Article Published by The Baltimore Fishbowl
The Baltimore Fishbowl highlights several upcoming legal clinics in partnerships with the Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC) of Maryland and the Stop Oppressive Seizures Fund (SOS). Homeowners participating in the clinics will meet one-on-one with an attorney and receive free legal advice about the tax sale process and their options going forward.
“Maryland tax sale process must change to stop harming Black residents” Article Published by The Daily Record Editorial Advisory Board
The Daily Record Editorial Advisory Board recently called on the Maryland General Assembly to reform the tax sale system that disproportionately harms Black homeowners. While the U.S. Supreme Court mulls over tax sale constitutionality, Maryland legislators were encouraged to act this year. MVLS staff will testify this week on important tax sale reform bills. Susan Francis, MVLS’ Executive Director, serves on the Editorial Advisory Board.
“Tax sale nightmare: How an unpaid bill can cost Baltimore homeowners thousands, or even their homes” Article Published by The Baltimore Banner
The Baltimore Banner published a new story written by Nick Thieme and Sophie Kasakove outlining Baltimore’s predatory tax sale system. MVLS’ legal service partner, Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC) is mentioned below.
“One missed payment and you can lose a house that you’ve owned for 35 years and have full equity in. And if you lose it, you don’t get anything,” said Allison Harris from PBRC.
“Mayor Scott lays out Baltimore legislative priorities ahead of General Assembly” Article Published by The Baltimore Banner
The Baltimore Banner published a new story written by Adam Willis and Emily Sullivan outlining Baltimore’s priorities this legislative session. MVLS is mentioned in the quote below.
“Housing activists have long condemned the process as predatory, saying it strips homeowners of wealth. Baltimore does not track the demographics of those affected by tax sale. Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, organizations that host legal clinics for those facing tax sale, say tax sale predominately hurts vulnerable groups.”
“Nonprofit Legal Services Help Homeowners Struggling With Property Taxes Keep Their Homes” – By Kristen Griffith
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service’s tax sale work was featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy in an article published by Kristen Griffith on February 23, 2022.
Here is a brief excerpt: “Elizabeth Vermillera, a retired pharmaceutical technician, spends her days handing out donated clothes and food to people in Baltimore. Since 1997, she has lived in the three-level rowhouse on East Monument Street…
‘I almost lost my house for $1,000,’ Vermillera shared.”
Read the full article here: www.philanthropy.com/article/nonprofit-legal-services-help-homeowners-struggling-with-property-taxes-keep-their-homes
Continue reading ““Nonprofit Legal Services Help Homeowners Struggling With Property Taxes Keep Their Homes” – By Kristen Griffith”Baltimore to Remove Owner-occupied Homes from Annual Tax Sale
On May 3, 2021, Mayor Scott announced that many owner occupants on this year’s tax sale list will be removed from tax sale. This news was a huge relief to MVLS clients, who faced losing their homes during the pandemic. We applaud this announcement from the Scott administration and remain dedicated to continue to working with them on long term systemic reform to tax sale.
MVLS has been part of a coalition of organizations advocating for reforms to Baltimore’s tax sale system and the terrible impact tax sale has on homeowners of limited means for many years. MVLS and other advocates shared a Tax Sale White Paper with the Mayor’s Office, Finance Department and other City officials. The White Paper recommends a new tax sale system with enhanced protections for vulnerable homeowners.
Through our advocacy, the Stop Oppressive Seizures Fund was created. A program created by Nneka N’namdi of Fight Blight Bmore and John Kern, MVLS’ Advanced Planning Project Coordinator, that distributes money to homeowners at risk of losing their properties through tax sale.
The Baltimore City Bureau of Revenue Collections will provide help to homeowners who have liens on their homes. For assistance, call (410) 396-3556.