Maryland · Howard County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Howard County, MD property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Howard 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 Howard County
Howard County's Senior Tax Credit takes 25% off net county tax for owners 65+ with household income up to $108,200, far above the state's $60,000 limit, and its Aging in Place credit gives 20% for 30-year residents 65+, military retirees and 75%-99% disabled veterans. Applications go to the county Department of Finance by October 1; the Homestead cap is 5%.
Howard 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.
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.
25% of the net county property tax, after all other credits; qualifying applicants also get trash, Bay and watershed fee reductions.
Set by
county
Tax year
2026-27
Who qualifies
At least one owner 65 or older by June 30, 2026; principal residence; household net worth no more than $827,200 (as of 12/31/2025). Must also apply for the state Homeowners' credit if income is under $60,000 and net worth under $200,000.
Income limit
Combined household income up to 500% of the federal poverty guideline for a household of 2 ($108,200, the figure the county gives for the tax year 2026 application, based on 2025 income).
How to apply
County credit application (online or paper) with a full copy of your 1040 and SSA-1099 or IRS wage and income transcript.
20% of net county property tax on up to $650,000 of assessed value.
Set by
county
Tax year
2026-27
Who qualifies
(a) Age 65+ by June 30 and owned and lived in the home 30+ years; or (b) age 65+ retired service member with 20 years of active duty, or unremarried surviving spouse 65+; or (c) active, retired or honorably discharged service member with a 75%-99% service-connected disability, or unremarried surviving spouse. Only principal residence.
How to apply
Initial county application, then a yearly Statement of Eligibility (renewal letters mailed in spring).
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Howard County
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Howard 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 Howard County
What property tax exemptions are there in Howard County?
Howard County's Senior Tax Credit takes 25% off net county tax for owners 65+ with household income up to $108,200, far above the state's $60,000 limit, and its Aging in Place credit gives 20% for 30-year residents 65+, military retirees and 75%-99% disabled veterans. Applications go to the county Department of Finance by October 1; the Homestead cap is 5%. Local breaks here: Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap); Senior Tax Credit (Income-Based Property Tax & Fee Credit); Aging in Place Property Tax Credit.
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Howard County?
Howard County Department of Finance Phone: 410-313-2195 Address: 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. 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 Howard County Assessment Office, which SDAT local assessment office: assessments, disabled-veteran and blind exemptions.
When is the deadline to apply in Howard County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): not confirmed; ask the office. Senior Tax Credit (Income-Based Property Tax & Fee Credit): October 1, 2026 for tax year 2026. Aging in Place Property Tax Credit: October 1, 2026 for tax year 2026.
Is there an income limit for Howard County’s local breaks?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): no income limit listed. Senior Tax Credit (Income-Based Property Tax & Fee Credit): Combined household income up to 500% of the federal poverty guideline for a household of 2 ($108,200, the figure the county gives for the tax year 2026 application, based on 2025 income). Aging in Place Property Tax Credit: no income limit listed.
Do I have to reapply every year in Howard County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): One-time application. Senior Tax Credit (Income-Based Property Tax & Fee Credit): Every year; not automatic. Cannot be combined with Aging in Place or Public Safety Officer credits. Aging in Place Property Tax Credit: Annual attestation; up to 10 years total.
Good to know in Howard County
Howard has no municipalities; all homeowners pay county tax with a 5% Homestead cap.
Households at or below 250% of the federal poverty level can get a hardship exemption from 60% of the trash and watershed fees and 100% of the Bay fee.
Median effective tax rate for Howard 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.