Maryland · Cecil County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Cecil County, MD property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Cecil 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 Cecil County
Cecil County gives its own 20% credits on county property tax to seniors over 65 and to veterans over 65 with income under $150,000 and homes assessed at $800,000 or less, plus a credit for county sworn officers; county applications are due September 1. The 2026-27 county Homestead cap is 4% (Elkton, North East and Charlestown use 8%, Port Deposit and Perryville 10%).
Cecil County tax: the taxable assessment on your home can rise at most 4% 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: Charlestown 8%, Elkton 8%, North East 8%, Perryville 10%, Port Deposit 10% (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.
Over 65; active, retired, honorably discharged or disabled member of the armed services, or surviving spouse; lives in the home assessed at $800,000 or less.
Income limit
Adjusted gross income under $150,000.
How to apply
2026 Military Credit Application to the Finance Office.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Cecil County
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Document checklist for Cecil County
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Questions about property tax exemptions in Cecil County
What property tax exemptions are there in Cecil County?
Cecil County gives its own 20% credits on county property tax to seniors over 65 and to veterans over 65 with income under $150,000 and homes assessed at $800,000 or less, plus a credit for county sworn officers; county applications are due September 1. The 2026-27 county Homestead cap is 4% (Elkton, North East and Charlestown use 8%, Port Deposit and Perryville 10%). Local breaks here: Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap); Senior Tax Credit; Veterans (Military) Tax Credit; Sworn Officer Tax Credit.
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Cecil County?
Cecil County Finance Office Phone: 410-996-5385 Address: 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 1100, Elkton, MD 21921. 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 Cecil County Assessment Office, which SDAT local assessment office: assessments, disabled-veteran and blind exemptions.
When is the deadline to apply in Cecil County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): not confirmed; ask the office. Senior Tax Credit: September 1 each year. Veterans (Military) Tax Credit: September 1 each year. Sworn Officer Tax Credit: September 1 each year.
Is there an income limit for Cecil County’s local breaks?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): no income limit listed. Senior Tax Credit: Adjusted gross income under $150,000. Veterans (Military) Tax Credit: Adjusted gross income under $150,000. Sworn Officer Tax Credit: Household income under $150,000.
Do I have to reapply every year in Cecil County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): One-time application. Senior Tax Credit: Every year (income update). Veterans (Military) Tax Credit: Every year. Sworn Officer Tax Credit: not confirmed.
Good to know in Cecil County
Cecil County also has a county credit for the surviving spouse of a law enforcement officer who died from a job injury or disease.
Cecil County's own Tax Credits page still says county taxable assessment increases are limited to 8%; SDAT's official cap tables for 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 all list 4% for Cecil County. Ask the Finance Office (410-996-5385) if your bill does not match.
Median effective tax rate for Cecil 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.