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Taxes
Property tax relief for seniors in Maryland
Maryland has 3 programs that can lower property taxes for older adults: Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program, Renters' Tax Credit Program and Homestead Property Tax Credit. Each one has its own rules and deadline.
Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program
Maryland caps the property tax you pay on your home based on your income, and credits back anything above that cap. It is for homeowners of any age with household income up to $60,000 and net worth under $200,000. You apply each year with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, online or by mail.
How to apply
- Online
- telegov.egov.com
- By mail
- State Department of Assessments & Taxation, Homeowners' Tax Credit Program, P.O. Box 49005, Baltimore, MD 21297
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify
| Age | Any age |
|---|---|
| Household income limit (2026 application, 2025 income) | $60,000 a year, counting all household income including Social Security |
| Net worth limit | Under $200,000, not counting the home or qualified retirement savings and IRAs |
| Home | You own it (or have a legal interest) and it is your principal residence, where you live at least six months of the year, including July 1 |
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 1)
What you may get
| What it does (2025 income chart) | You pay property tax only up to a limit set by your income (for example, $420 at $16,000 of household income); the rest of the tax on the first $300,000 of assessed value is credited |
|---|
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 1)
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Application deadline | October 1 each year; apply by April 15 to see the credit on your first July tax bill |
|---|---|
| Do you reapply? | Yes, each year; the credit isn't granted automatically |
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 1)
How Maryland is different
Where Maryland's rules differ from the federal rules for Property tax relief for seniors.
- Social Security and other nontaxable income count toward the income limit
- Heirs who don't yet hold title may qualify for up to three tax years while the transfer is finished
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 1)
Good to know
- Renters: Renters use the separate Renters' Tax Credit, which is open to renters 60 or older.
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 2)
Renters' Tax Credit Program
Maryland sends renters 60 or older (or 100% disabled) a check of up to $1,000 a year when their rent is high compared with their income. The state treats 15% of your rent as property tax. You apply each year by October 1 with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
How to apply
- Online
- telegov.egov.com
- By mail
- State Department of Assessments & Taxation, Renters' Tax Credit Program, P.O. Box 49006, Baltimore, MD 21297
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify
| Age | 60 or older, or 100% disabled (younger renters with a child under 18 may also qualify) |
|---|---|
| Income test (2025 income) | Based on how your rent compares with your household income. The state's guide for people 60 or older: at $33,000 of income, monthly rent above $800 may qualify; at $73,000, above $2,000. |
| Home | A rented apartment, house, co-op, condo, trailer or mobile home pad in Maryland that is your principal residence for at least six months of the year, where you are legally responsible for the rent |
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 2)
What you may get
| Largest credit | $1,000 a year, paid by check from the State Treasury |
|---|
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 2)
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Application deadline | October 1 of the year you seek the credit |
|---|---|
| Do you reapply? | Yes, you apply for the year you seek the credit (a 2026 application for 2026) |
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 2)
How Maryland is different
Where Maryland's rules differ from the federal rules for Property tax relief for seniors.
- Income counts all household income, including Social Security and other retirement benefits
- No credit if your landlord's property is tax-exempt
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 2)
Good to know
- Renters: This is Maryland's property tax credit for renters. If your rent includes gas, electric and heat, your rent may need to be up to 18% higher than the guide shows to qualify.
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 2)
Homestead Property Tax Credit
Maryland limits how fast the taxable value of your main home can rise: no more than 10% a year for state tax, and 10% or less for county and city tax. It is for homeowners of any age. You file a one-time application with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
How to apply
- By mail
- Department of Assessments and Taxation, Homestead Tax Credit Division, 700 East Pratt Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify
| Age | Any age |
|---|---|
| Home | The one property you actually use as your principal residence |
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 3)
What you may get
| What it does | You pay no property tax on the part of an assessment increase above 10% a year (or your county's or city's lower cap) |
|---|
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 4)
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Do you reapply? | No, it is a one-time application |
|---|
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 3)
How Maryland is different
Where Maryland's rules differ from the federal rules for Property tax relief for seniors.
- Many counties set a cap lower than 10%
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 4)
Good to know
- New buyers are mailed an application once their deed is recorded. You can check whether you already have one on file in SDAT's Real Property search.
Source: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (source 3)
Free help
Free help with this in Maryland
Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Maryland
Property tax relief in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Renters' Tax Credits (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Homestead Tax Credit (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Homestead Tax Credit FAQ (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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