Overview of Maryland Taxes
Maryland’s average effective property tax rate of 0.99% is right at the national average, which is also 0.99%. However, because Maryland generally has high property values, Maryland homeowners pay more in annual property taxes than homeowners in most other states.
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To calculate the exact amount of property tax you will owe requires your property's assessed value and the property tax rates based on your property's address. Please note that we can only estimate your property tax based on median property taxes in your area. There are typically multiple rates in a given area, because your state, county, local schools and emergency responders each receive funding partly through these taxes. In our calculator, we take your home value and multiply that by your county's effective property tax rate. This is equal to the median property tax paid as a percentage of the median home value in your county.
Maryland Property Taxes
Taxes on real estate in Maryland account for a significant portion of both of city and county budgets, funding local services like public education and fire protection. Maryland’s average effective tax rate of 0.99% is equal to the national average.
However, because property values in Maryland are also high, homeowners here pay more in annual property taxes than in most other states. Median annual property tax payments in counties in Maryland range up to $6,373.
A financial advisor can help you understand how homeownership fits into your overall financial goals. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Maryland Property Tax Assessment
Unlike most states, where local officials are responsible for property assessment, the state government oversees all property assessment in Maryland. State officials reassess properties once every three years. The goal of an assessment is to determine the fair market value of each property. The fair market value is the price the property would sell for if listed on the market.
After a reassessment, the state will notify a property owner about any change in assessed value. Property owners who believe their assessed value is incorrect have 45 days from the date of that notice to file an appeal.
For homeowners with a principal residence in Maryland, the Homestead Tax Credit limits increases in assessed property value. The state limits increases to 10%, but some city and county governments elect to use a lower limit.
Another important tax credit is the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit. The credit caps property taxes based on income level. Only households with a total gross income of less than $60,000 are eligible for this credit. As an example, a household with a gross income of $30,000 will receive a credit for any property tax exceeding $1,680 annually.
Maryland Property Tax Rates
While the state government handles property assessments in Maryland, local governments still set their own tax rates. The rates they set will depend on local revenue needs. Any time a local government increases the tax rate, it must hold a public hearing to discuss the new rate.
Tax rates in Maryland vary depending on where you live. The table below shows the average effective tax rate for each of Maryland’s 23 counties, as well as the city of Baltimore (which is independent of any county). Average effective tax rates are calculated by determining the median annual property tax payment as a percentage of the median home value.
If you are looking to refinance a home loan or purchase a home in Maryland, check out our Maryland mortgage rates guide.
Montgomery County
The median home value in Montgomery County, which is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is $491,700. That is one of the highest rankings among all of America’s 3,142 counties and county-equivalents. So, while property tax rates in Montgomery County are average at 0.99%, the median annual payment is quite high at $4,859.
Prince George’s County
Like Montgomery County, Prince George’s County is located just outside of Washington, D.C. However, property tax rates in Prince George’s County are much higher than those in Montgomery County. The average effective property tax rate in Prince George’s County is 1.34%, as compared with 0.99% in Montgomery County.
At that rate, a homeowner whose home is worth $250,000 would pay $2,475 annually in Prince George’s County. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that rates will vary depending on where in each county you live.
Baltimore County
Baltimore County surrounds the city of Baltimore, but does not include the metropolis itself. Tax rates in the county are roughly equal to the state average, but are significantly lower than those in the city of Baltimore. The average effective tax rate in Baltimore County is 1.26%.
Baltimore City
The city of Baltimore has some of the highest property tax rates in the entire state of Maryland. The average effective property tax rate here is 0.988%, higher than any of Maryland’s counties. However, homeowners who do not receive any tax credits may pay even higher rates than that.
In 2022 and 2023, the total listed tax rate in Baltimore is $2.248 per $100 of assessed value. In certain districts there may be additional taxes.
If you have questions about how property taxes can affect your overall financial plans, a financial advisor in Baltimore can help you out.
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County is located on the Chesapeake Bay south of Baltimore and east of Washington D.C. The county’s average effective property tax rate is 0.97%. However, home values in the county are very high, which means annual property tax payments for many homeowners are too. The median property tax payment in Anne Arundel County is $3,594 per year, $799 higher than the U.S. average.
Howard County
The typical homeowner in Howard County pays $6,373 annually in property taxes, which is the most expensive amount in the state. Unsurprisingly, tax rates in Howard County also rank as some of the highest in the state, with an average effective rate of 1.37%.
Harford County
Located in northern Maryland, Harford County has property tax rates slightly lower than the state average, but more or less even with the national average. The county’s average effective property tax rate is 1.02%. A homeowner paying property taxes on a home worth $250,000 would pay $2,550 annually at that rate.
Frederick County
Overall, Frederick County has the one of the highest property tax rates of any county in Maryland. The county’s average effective tax rate is 1.18%. In some cities, the total rate will be much higher than that. For example, in the city of Frederick, the total listed rate is $1.060 per $100 of assessed value.
Carroll County
Carroll County is a largely rural area located in northern Maryland northeast of Baltimore. The average effective property tax rate in Carroll County is 1.07%. The tax bill on a home worth $300,000 would be about $3,210 based on that rate.
Charles County
Charles County has property tax rates slightly above the state average of 1.14%. The county’s 1.18% average effective rate ranks as one of the highest among Maryland’s 23 counties (including the city of Baltimore).
