Property tax relief for seniors in Maryland

In short: Maryland has two state credits run by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). The Homeowners' Property Tax Credit limits your property tax based on your income, for households with income up to $60,000. The Renters' Tax Credit can send renters 60 and over a check of up to $1,000 a year. Both are due by October 1 and can be filed at onestop.md.gov.

Homeowners' Property Tax Credit

This credit has no age limit, but it helps many older homeowners on fixed incomes. It sets a limit on how much property tax you pay compared with your income. You get a credit for the tax above that limit.

Who qualifies

Rule Limit
Household income (gross, all sources) up to $60,000 a year
Net worth under $200,000
Home your main home, lived in at least 6 months a year, including July 1
Assessed value covered tax on the first $300,000 of assessed value

If health problems or a need for special care keep you from living there 6 months, you may still qualify.

What counts

  • Income: the total gross income of you, your spouse, and other household members 18 or older (unless they are dependents or pay you rent or room and board). It counts whether or not it is taxed. This includes Social Security, Railroad Retirement, pensions and other income from all sources.
  • Net worth: Your home and your retirement savings, such as IRAs, are not counted.
  • Not covered: water and sewer charges billed with your tax.

How the credit is figured

Your tax limit is a share of your income. The first part of your income has a 0% limit, and the share rises in steps to 9% on higher income. The credit is the amount your property tax goes over that limit. The SDAT website has a chart showing the tax limit for your income.

Extra county credits

Thirteen local governments add their own credit, filed on the same SDAT form: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery and Washington. Some people who are over the state income limit can still get a county credit.

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Renters' Tax Credit

Renters do not get a tax bill, but part of your rent pays the landlord's property tax. This credit gives some of that back.

Who qualifies

  • You are 60 or older, or 100% disabled. (Some younger renters with a child also qualify, under different limits.)
  • The rental is your main home in Maryland, you live there at least 6 months a year, and you are legally responsible for the rent.
  • Your rent is high compared with your income. SDAT's chart shows the monthly rent at which you should apply for your income. If your rent includes heat or utilities, your rent may need to be somewhat higher.
  • No credit is given if a tax-exempt charity owns your building.

How the credit is figured

SDAT assumes part of your yearly rent (not counting utilities and fees) pays property tax. It compares that amount with a tax limit based on your income. The credit is the difference, up to $1,000. Income counts the same way as for homeowners, including Social Security.

How you are paid

If you qualify, the State Treasury sends you a check. If you do not, SDAT sends a letter with the reason.

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How to apply

  1. Get the form. File online through Maryland OneStop (onestop.md.gov), which is faster, or print the 2026 paper application from dat.maryland.gov. Spanish forms are available.
  2. Include proof. For the Homeowners' credit, send copies of your federal tax returns for the year before, and agree to let SDAT check your income with other agencies.
  3. Mail paper forms (do not email):
    • Homeowners: SDAT, Homeowners' Tax Credit Program, P.O. Box 49005, Baltimore, MD 21297.
    • Renters: SDAT, Renters' Tax Credit Program, P.O. Box 49006, Baltimore, MD 21297.
  4. Meet the deadline. Both credits are due by October 1 of the year you want the credit. For the Homeowners' credit, file by April 15 so it appears on your July tax bill. If you file later, you get a revised bill or a refund.
  5. Apply for each year. Each application is for the year you want the credit.

If you are denied

You get a letter with the reason. For the Homeowners' credit, you can appeal to your local Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board.

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Common mistakes

  • Leaving out Social Security. It counts as income even though it is not taxed.
  • Thinking the Homeowners' credit is only for the poor. The income limit is $60,000, and IRAs and your home do not count toward net worth.
  • Missing the county credit. If you live in one of the 13 areas above, you may get more.
  • Renters not applying. Many renters 60 and over do not know this credit exists.
  • Paying late to wait for the credit. If you file late, still pay your bill on time to get any early-payment discount.

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Free help

  • Homeowners' Tax Credit: 410-767-4433 or 1-800-944-7403.
  • Renters' Tax Credit: 410-767-5915, or email [email protected] (do not email your application).
  • Maryland Access Point: 1-844-627-5465, to find local help with forms.

See all benefits in Maryland.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Maryland agencies

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18