MD · Cap or school-tax relief, no flat amount
Maryland homestead exemption
Maryland has no flat-dollar homestead exemption; instead its Homestead Tax Credit caps yearly taxable assessment increases on your principal residence at 10% for state tax, and 10% or less for county and city taxes.
- Main exemption
- 10% assessment cap
- Filing deadline
- Not in our data
- Own and live there by
- July 1
- Renewal
- Renews automatically
- Where to file
- Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), online at Maryland One Stop or by mail
Maryland has no flat-dollar homestead exemption; instead its Homestead Tax Credit caps yearly taxable assessment increases on your principal residence at 10% for state tax, and 10% or less for county and city taxes. You pay no tax on value growth above the cap. File a one-time application with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), online through Maryland One Stop.
Last verified · Sources
How much the Maryland exemption is worth
Assessment cap: 10% a year
The credit covers taxes on any yearly assessment increase above 10% for state tax, or above the lower cap each county or city sets (every local cap must be 10% or less). Example: an assessment rising from $100,000 to $120,000 is taxed on $110,000. Source.
Who qualifies
- The home is your principal residence, and you lived there at least six months of the year including July 1 (unless prevented by illness or need of special care)
- Only one property per owner can get the credit
- No owner-requested rezoning or substantial change in use raised the value in the previous tax year
Deadline and renewal
SDAT asks for a one-time application and mails one to new buyers after the deed is recorded; its page does not list a deadline. Check your status in SDAT's Real Property search and apply if it shows "No Application."
The Homestead Tax Credit application is filed only once while you own the home. The separate Homeowners' Tax Credit must be applied for every year.
If you missed the deadline
For the Homeowners' Tax Credit, applications filed after April 15 but by October 1 get a revised bill or a refund if the bill was already paid. Source.
Form: Homestead Tax Credit Eligibility Application · open the official form
Extra breaks for seniors, veterans and disabled owners
| Who | Program | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans | 100% disabled veteran exemption | Not in our data | A veteran the VA rates 100% service-connected, permanent and total (or permanently unemployable) pays no property tax on the dwelling they own and live in. Submit the VA rating decision and DD-214. Source |
| Surviving spouses | Surviving spouse of a 100% disabled veteran | Not in our data | The surviving spouse of a veteran with a 100% permanent and total rating keeps the dwelling exemption. An unmarried surviving spouse can carry the same exemption amount to a later home. Source |
| Other | Homeowners' Property Tax Credit (income-based) | Not in our data | Caps property tax on the first $300,000 of assessed value based on household income: combined gross income must be $60,000 or less and net worth under $200,000. Apply every year by October 1; file by April 15 to get the credit on your bill. Source |
| Other | Hardship exception for incomes up to $75,000 | Not in our data | Homeowners who got the credit last year but now earn $60,001 to $75,000 may get a one-time hardship credit if medical or casualty costs caused distress. Awards are capped at $250,000 per county per fiscal year. Source |
| Other | Heirs of a deceased homeowner (HB 1148, 2026) | Not in our data | An heir living in a deceased Maryland homeowner's home can keep or apply for the Homeowners' and Homestead Tax Credits for up to three tax years during probate. Source |
Law: Md. Code, Tax-Property §9-105
Maryland county guides
Local offices, online filing links and local amounts for 5 counties, largest first.
- Montgomery CountyMaryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
- Prince George's CountyMaryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
- Baltimore CountyMaryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
- Anne Arundel CountyMaryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
- Baltimore CityMaryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Frequently asked questions
Why don't I see a homestead credit on my bill?
The credit only appears when your assessment rises more than the cap that year. You stay approved even in years with no credit.
Do I have to reapply for the Homestead Tax Credit?
No. It is a one-time application. Check SDAT's Real Property search: a status of Approved or Application Received means no action is needed.
Is there help for lower-income homeowners?
Yes. The Homeowners' Property Tax Credit limits your tax based on income if household income is $60,000 or less. Apply each year by October 1.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Maryland?
SDAT asks for a one-time application and mails one to new buyers after the deed is recorded; its page does not list a deadline. Check your status in SDAT's Real Property search and apply if it shows "No Application."
Sources
- Maryland Homestead Tax Credit · Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Homestead Tax Credit Eligibility Application · Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program · Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Property Tax Exemptions · Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
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