§ 8-5. Properties exempt from sale.
(a) Definitions.
(1) In general.
In this section, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(2) Dwelling.
"Dwelling" has the meaning stated in State Tax-Property Article § 9-105 {"Homestead tax credit"}.
(3) Homeowner.
"Homeowner" has the meaning stated in State Tax-Property Article § 9-105 {"Homestead tax credit"}.
(b) Scope of section.
This section applies to the sale of a dwelling with an assessed value of $250,000 or less.
(c) Sale prohibited.
(1) In general.
On receipt of an application from an eligible homeowner and subject to the limitation set forth in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Director of Finance shall withhold the homeowner's dwelling from tax sale for 1 year.
(2) Eligibility.
A homeowner is eligible to have the homeowner's dwelling withheld from tax sale under this section if the homeowner:
(i) has resided in the dwelling for at least 15 years; and
(ii) either:
(A) has a total annual household income of less than $36,000;
(B) is at least 65 years old and has annual earned income of $75,000 or less; or
(C) is an adult currently receiving disability benefits from the Federal Social Security Disability Insurance program or the Supplemental Security Income program and has annual earned income of $75,000 or less.
(3) Limitation.
In any tax year, the aggregate tax and lien liability of all homeowners for whom the Director of Finance has withheld their dwellings from tax sale under this section may not exceed $2 million.
(4) Renewal applications.
Subject to the limitation set forth in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a homeowner may submit a renewal application annually to have the homeowner's dwelling withheld from tax sale for an additional year provided that the homeowner demonstrates continuing eligibility under this section.
(d) Application submissions.
A homeowner may submit an application under this section online, in person, or by mail.
(e) Rules and regulations.
Subject to Title 4 {"Administrative Procedure Act – Regulations"} of the City General Provisions Article, the Director of Finance shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out this section, including application and supporting documentation procedures.
(f) Annual report.
On or before December 31 of each year, the Director of Finance shall submit a report to the Mayor and City Council:
(1) the total number of dwellings that were subject to this section;
(2) the total and average amounts of outstanding taxes owed on the dwellings that were subject to this section; and
(3) the number of dwellings that were subject to this section separated by the type of homeowner subject to this section.