Maryland · Kent County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Kent County, MD property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Kent 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 Kent County
Kent County adds a supplement to the state Homeowners' credit for owners 60 and older with income of $35,000 or less that covers the rest of their real property tax. The county Homestead cap is 5% (Betterton, Galena, Millington and Rock Hall use 10% for town tax).
Apply at
Kent County Office of Finance
Phone
410-778-7478
Local breaks
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap), Kent County Supplemental Homeowner's Tax Credit, Residential Sprinkler Property Tax Credit
Kent 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: Betterton 10%, Galena 10%, Millington 10%, Rock Hall 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 Kent County
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Kent 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 Kent County
What property tax exemptions are there in Kent County?
Kent County adds a supplement to the state Homeowners' credit for owners 60 and older with income of $35,000 or less that covers the rest of their real property tax. The county Homestead cap is 5% (Betterton, Galena, Millington and Rock Hall use 10% for town tax). Local breaks here: Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap); Kent County Supplemental Homeowner's Tax Credit; Residential Sprinkler Property Tax Credit.
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Kent County?
Kent County Office of Finance Phone: 410-778-7478 Address: 400 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620. 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 Kent County Assessment Office, which SDAT local assessment office: assessments, disabled-veteran and blind exemptions.
When is the deadline to apply in Kent County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): not confirmed; ask the office. Kent County Supplemental Homeowner's Tax Credit: October 1 (state HTC deadline). Residential Sprinkler Property Tax Credit: not confirmed; ask the office.
Is there an income limit for Kent County’s local breaks?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): no income limit listed. Kent County Supplemental Homeowner's Tax Credit: Combined annual income of $35,000 or less. Residential Sprinkler Property Tax Credit: no income limit listed.
Do I have to reapply every year in Kent County?
Homestead Property Tax Credit (local cap): One-time application. Kent County Supplemental Homeowner's Tax Credit: Every year. Residential Sprinkler Property Tax Credit: One time.
Good to know in Kent County
Kent County Code, Chapter 152, Article 1, § 152-6 authorizes the supplement.
Median effective tax rate for Kent 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.