Maryland · Charles County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Charles County, MD property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Charles 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 Charles County
Charles County caps the yearly rise in county taxable assessment at 7% (Indian Head 10% for town tax). SDAT lists Charles among the counties that add a local supplement to the state Homeowners' credit (same SDAT application), and the county gives active and retired volunteer fire, rescue and EMS members (and their surviving spouses) a credit of up to $500 a year.
Apply at
Charles County Office of the Treasurer
Phone
301-645-0685
Local breaks
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap), Charles County supplement to the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit, Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Credit
Charles County tax: the taxable assessment on your home can rise at most 7% 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: Indian Head 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.
The lesser of $500 a year or the county real property tax on the home.
Set by
county
Tax year
2024-25 onward (Bill 2023-08)
Who qualifies
Active or retired volunteer member of a Charles County fire, rescue or EMS company who had active member status in the county Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) in the preceding year or is entitled to the LOSAP benefit, living in the home; or the unremarried surviving spouse (home was the responder's principal residence at death, or bought within 2 years).
Income limit
Federal adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less.
How to apply
County application signed under oath, to the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services (Treasurer).
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Charles County
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Document checklist for Charles County
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Questions about property tax exemptions in Charles County
What property tax exemptions are there in Charles County?
Charles County caps the yearly rise in county taxable assessment at 7% (Indian Head 10% for town tax). SDAT lists Charles among the counties that add a local supplement to the state Homeowners' credit (same SDAT application), and the county gives active and retired volunteer fire, rescue and EMS members (and their surviving spouses) a credit of up to $500 a year. Local breaks here: Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap); Charles County supplement to the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit; Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Credit.
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Charles County?
Charles County Office of the Treasurer Phone: 301-645-0685 Address: 200 Baltimore Street, P.O. Box 2607, La Plata, MD 20646. 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 Charles County Assessment Office, which SDAT local assessment office: assessments, disabled-veteran and blind exemptions.
When is the deadline to apply in Charles County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): not confirmed; ask the office. Charles County supplement to the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit: October 1 (state HTC deadline). Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Credit: not confirmed; ask the office.
Is there an income limit for Charles County’s local breaks?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): no income limit listed. Charles County supplement to the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit: no income limit listed. Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Credit: Federal adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less.
Do I have to reapply every year in Charles County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): One-time application. Charles County supplement to the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit: Every year. Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Credit: not confirmed.
Median effective tax rate for Charles 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.