Maryland · Carroll County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Carroll County, MD property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Carroll County, on top of Maryland’s statewide rules: what each is worth here, who qualifies, where to apply and the deadline.
What is different in Carroll County
Carroll County limits the yearly rise in county taxable assessment to 5% (Taneytown and Sykesville use 10%, Westminster and Hampstead 7%, Mount Airy 3% for town tax). Seniors 65+ with modest income can get the county Senior Tax Credit, a supplement to the state Homeowners' credit applied for on the same SDAT form.
Apply at
Carroll County Collections/Tax Office
Phone
410-386-2971
Local breaks
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap), Carroll County Senior Tax Credit Program
Carroll County tax: the taxable assessment on your home can rise at most 5% a year; State tax: 10% a year. You pay no tax on the part of an increase above the cap. Towns with a different cap for town tax: Hampstead 7%, Mount Airy 3%, Sykesville 10%, Taneytown 10%, Westminster 7% (see the table).
Set by
state program, local amount
Tax year
2026-27
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of their principal residence; no age or income limit.
How to apply
One-time application to SDAT (online at Maryland OneStop / sdathtc.dat.maryland.gov, or the paper form). Check SDAT Real Property Search first: if it shows 'No Application', apply.
County supplement to the state Homeowners' credit, calculated on the first $300,000 of your home's assessment; SDAT figures the amount.
Set by
state program, local amount
Tax year
2026-27
Who qualifies
Homeowner age 65 or older; home assessed at $300,000 or less (or credit limited to the first $300,000); net assets of $500,000 or less (not counting the home and retirement accounts).
Income limit
Combined annual income of $50,000 or less.
How to apply
File the state Homeowners' Tax Credit application (HTC-1) with SDAT; it is used for both the state and county credit.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Carroll County
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Carroll County
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about property tax exemptions in Carroll County
What property tax exemptions are there in Carroll County?
Carroll County limits the yearly rise in county taxable assessment to 5% (Taneytown and Sykesville use 10%, Westminster and Hampstead 7%, Mount Airy 3% for town tax). Seniors 65+ with modest income can get the county Senior Tax Credit, a supplement to the state Homeowners' credit applied for on the same SDAT form. Local breaks here: Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap); Carroll County Senior Tax Credit Program.
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Carroll County?
Carroll County Collections/Tax Office Phone: 410-386-2971 Address: 225 North Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Also: Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) – Tax Credit Programs, which state program: Homestead and Homeowners' tax credits (and county supplements run through the HTC form). Also: SDAT Carroll County Assessment Office, which SDAT local assessment office: assessments, disabled-veteran and blind exemptions.
When is the deadline to apply in Carroll County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): not confirmed; ask the office. Carroll County Senior Tax Credit Program: October 1 (state HTC deadline).
Is there an income limit for Carroll County’s local breaks?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): no income limit listed. Carroll County Senior Tax Credit Program: Combined annual income of $50,000 or less.
Do I have to reapply every year in Carroll County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): One-time application. Carroll County Senior Tax Credit Program: Every year.
Good to know in Carroll County
Some applicants qualify for the county senior credit even if they do not get a state credit.
Median effective tax rate for Carroll County: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, county figures as published by Tax Foundation. The rate is property taxes paid divided by home value.