Maryland · Dorchester County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Dorchester County, MD property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Dorchester 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 Dorchester County
Dorchester County gives seniors 67 and older who qualify for the state Homeowners' credit an extra 10% off the general county property tax, automatically. The county Homestead cap is 5% (Hurlock uses 10% for town tax).
Dorchester 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: Hurlock 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.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Dorchester County
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Dorchester 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 Dorchester County
What property tax exemptions are there in Dorchester County?
Dorchester County gives seniors 67 and older who qualify for the state Homeowners' credit an extra 10% off the general county property tax, automatically. The county Homestead cap is 5% (Hurlock uses 10% for town tax). Local breaks here: Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap); Qualified Senior Citizens' Tax Credit.
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Dorchester County?
Dorchester County Department of Finance Phone: 410-228-4343 Address: County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613. 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 Dorchester County Assessment Office, which SDAT local assessment office: assessments, disabled-veteran and blind exemptions.
When is the deadline to apply in Dorchester County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): not confirmed; ask the office. Qualified Senior Citizens' Tax Credit: October 1 (state HTC deadline).
Is there an income limit for Dorchester County’s local breaks?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): no income limit listed. Qualified Senior Citizens' Tax Credit: State Homeowners' credit limits ($60,000 combined income).
Do I have to reapply every year in Dorchester County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): One-time application. Qualified Senior Citizens' Tax Credit: Every year with the state application.
Good to know in Dorchester County
Bill 2025-5 lowered the age from 70 to 67 and raised the credit from 5% to 10% (Dorchester County Code §§ 144-49, 144-50).
Median effective tax rate for Dorchester 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.