Maryland Property Tax Relief: Exemptions & How to File
Maryland has 5 main property tax relief programs, administered through your Supervisor of Assessments. Filing is free.
Biggest benefit
Complete (100%) exemption from state, county, and municipal property tax on the dwelling
Earliest common deadline
October 1
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Never pay to file a property tax exemption
Applying for a homestead, senior, veteran, or disability exemption is always free through your Supervisor of Assessments. You do not need a middleman, and no one can file it "faster" for a fee.
Be skeptical of official-looking letters offering to file your homestead exemption, "designate" your homestead, or send you a copy of your deed for $50–$200. These are private solicitations, not government notices. When in doubt, contact your Supervisor of Assessments directly using the phone number on your tax bill.
Maryland property tax relief programs
Amounts, eligibility, deadlines, and the official source for each program.
| Program | Benefit | Who qualifies | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead Tax CreditHomestead | Caps taxable assessment increase at 10% per year (state cap); counties and municipalities set their own cap of 10% or less | Must be the owner's principal residence, occupied at least six months of the year including July 1; credit available on only one property | Deadline varies — confirm locally | Official source ↗Md. Code, Tax-Property Article § 9-105Application for Homestead Tax Credit Eligibility ↗ |
| Homeowners' Property Tax Credit ProgramTax Credit | Credit for property tax on the first $300,000 of assessed value that exceeds a sliding income-based tax limit (0% of first $8,000 income; 4% of next $4,000; 6.5% of next $4,000; 9% of income above $16,000) | Income: Combined gross household income cannot exceed $60,000 · Must own and occupy the dwelling as principal residence at least six months of the year including July 1; net worth (excluding home and qualified retirement savings) must be less than $200,000 | October 1 | Official source ↗Md. Code, Tax-Property Article § 9-104Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Application (Form HTC-1) ↗ |
| Renters' Tax Credit ProgramRenter Relief | Up to $1,000, paid as a direct check from the State of Maryland | Age 60+ · Eligible if age 60+, or 100% disabled, or under 60 with a dependent child under 18 · Income: Income limits vary by category and household size; renters under 60 with a dependent under 18 have income ceilings ranging roughly from $19,720 (2-person) to $55,700 (9-person) · Dwelling must be the renter's Maryland principal residence occupied at least six months of the year; combined net worth must not exceed $200,000 | October 1 | Official source ↗Md. Code, Tax-Property Article § 9-102Renters' Tax Credit Application (Form RTC-1) ↗ |
| Disabled Veterans Property Tax ExemptionVeteran | Complete (100%) exemption from state, county, and municipal property tax on the dwelling | Veteran with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determination of permanent and total 100% service-connected disability (not due to misconduct); also available to certain unmarried surviving spouses and surviving spouses of a service member killed in the line of duty · Dwelling must be the veteran's legal principal residence, occupied by not more than two families | Deadline varies — confirm locallyLate filing: up to 3 years back | Official source ↗Md. Code, Tax-Property Article § 7-208Application for Exemption for Disabled Veterans ↗ |
| Blind Persons Property Tax ExemptionDisability | $40,000 of the dwelling's assessed value is exempt | Legally blind: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a contracted peripheral field of vision, certified by a physician · Owner must reside in the dwelling as principal residence, occupied by not more than two families | Deadline varies — confirm locally | Official source ↗Md. Code, Tax-Property Article § 7-207Application for Blind Persons Exemption ↗ |
Missed a deadline? You may still be able to file — and get money back.
Several programs here accept late applications for prior years. If approved, your Supervisor of Assessmentscan reduce a bill you haven't paid or refund taxes you already paid on the exempted amount.
- ↻Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption: late applications accepted up to 3 years back — Application filed with the local Supervisor of Assessments office; requires DD-214 (honorable discharge) and VA disability rating documentation.
For veterans
In most states a higher VA disability rating unlocks a larger — often total — property tax exemption.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
VA Claims Academy
A 100% VA disability rating unlocks full property tax exemptions in most states. VA Claims Academy helps veterans pursue the rating increases they may be owed.
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* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
Maryland property tax relief FAQ
What property tax exemptions are available in Maryland?
Maryland offers 5 main property tax relief programs: Homestead Tax Credit, Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program, Renters' Tax Credit Program, Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption, Blind Persons Property Tax Exemption. Each is administered through your Supervisor of Assessments.
How do I apply for a property tax exemption in Maryland?
You apply through your Supervisor of Assessments — for free. Most exemptions require a one-time application by the deadline; check each program for its form and cutoff date. You never need to pay a third party to file.
I missed the Maryland exemption deadline — can I still file?
Possibly. Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption accepts late applications up to 3 years back. If approved, you may receive a reduced bill or a refund of taxes paid on the exempted value.
Is filing for a Maryland property tax exemption free?
Yes. Filing is always free through your Supervisor of Assessments. Letters offering to file your homestead exemption for a fee are private solicitations, not government notices.
Compare Maryland to other states by relief type
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