Maryland · Harford County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Harford County, MD property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Harford 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 Harford County
Harford County gives a 20% credit on county and highway taxes to long-time senior residents, military retirees 65+ and veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability, for homes assessed at $600,000 or less, with applications open January 15 to April 1. The county Homestead cap is 5% (Aberdeen and Bel Air 10% for town tax).
Apply at
Harford County Treasury – Real Property Tax Credits
Harford 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: Aberdeen 10%, Bel Air 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.
20% of the County and Highway portions of the tax, after other county credits; one credit per property.
Set by
county
Tax year
2026-27
Who qualifies
(1) Age 65+ and lived in the same home for at least the preceding 35 years; or (2) age 65+ and retired from the uniformed services, reserves or National Guard (or unremarried surviving spouse 65+); or (3) active, retired or honorably discharged service member with a VA permanent service-connected disability of at least 50% (or unremarried surviving spouse). Home (house and lot) assessed at $600,000 or less at first application.
How to apply
County form to the Treasurer with ID, deed, DD-214 or equivalent, and VA rating letter as needed.
Deadline
Applications available January 15, due April 1 for the tax year starting July 1.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Harford County
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Harford 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 Harford County
What property tax exemptions are there in Harford County?
Harford County gives a 20% credit on county and highway taxes to long-time senior residents, military retirees 65+ and veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability, for homes assessed at $600,000 or less, with applications open January 15 to April 1. The county Homestead cap is 5% (Aberdeen and Bel Air 10% for town tax). Local breaks here: Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap); Senior Citizens and Veterans Tax Credit.
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Harford County?
Harford County Treasury – Real Property Tax Credits Phone: 410-638-3450 Address: 220 South Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014. 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 Harford County Assessment Office, which SDAT local assessment office: assessments, disabled-veteran and blind exemptions.
When is the deadline to apply in Harford County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): not confirmed; ask the office. Senior Citizens and Veterans Tax Credit: Applications available January 15, due April 1 for the tax year starting July 1.
Do I have to reapply every year in Harford County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): One-time application. Senior Citizens and Veterans Tax Credit: Apply every year; maximum 20 years in total.
Do Maryland’s statewide exemptions apply in Harford County too?
Yes. The statewide breaks on our Maryland page apply here as well, for example Homestead Property Tax Credit, Homeowners' Property Tax Credit (circuit breaker) and Disabled Veteran Exemption (100% service-connected). This page adds what Harford County sets or runs itself.
Good to know in Harford County
2027 applications open January 15, 2027.
SDAT lists Harford among counties with a local supplement to the state Homeowners' Tax Credit (same SDAT form).
Median effective tax rate for Harford 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.