Baltimore mails 50,123 notices for $504 million in unpaid city debts
The city is sending out a massive wave of collection letters for back taxes and fines, some of which have been outstanding since 2013.
By John Wisniewski ·
Baltimore City mailed 50,123 notices in October, demanding approximately $504.6 million in unpaid balances from local residents and property owners.
The letters cover a wide range of city charges, including property taxes, water bills, parking citations, and environmental violations. City officials state that these are not new fees but rather balances carried over from previous years. Some of the outstanding debts include penalties and late fees.
Two homeowners who spoke to local news outlets reported receiving bills for charges dating back to 2013. One resident was asked to pay less than $41 in old property taxes, while another received a notice for nearly $1,300. Several residents expressed surprise at receiving bills for amounts they believed they had already settled.
The Department of Finance explained that the annual October mailing serves to alert property owners to outstanding balances. The city aims to give residents a chance to resolve disputed charges before they face potential tax-sale proceedings. Recent system upgrades allow the city to bundle multiple years of unpaid balances across more billing categories.
While some notices listed an October 31 payment date, officials clarified that this deadline is separate from the city’s spring tax-sale process. Residents with questions or disputed charges can contact the Bureau of Revenue Collections at 410-396-3000. The Finance Department says it will review incorrect charges and may waive them on a case-by-case basis.
Legal advocates advise homeowners to review their payment records and check receipts before responding. They recommend contacting the city directly to dispute any questionable charges on the notices.
Source: WOLB
