Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Calvert County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Calvert County

In Calvert County, your property tax bill is determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the combined tax rate (millage). The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) conducts property assessments on a three-year cycle. This assessed value represents the fair market value of your home, which is then multiplied by the tax rates set by both the State of Maryland and the Calvert County Government.

The total tax rate is expressed as a dollar amount per $100 of assessed value. While the SDAT determines your property's value, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners sets the local property tax rate annually during the budget process. Because of the "Assessment Cap" (or Homestead Tax Credit), your taxable assessment may be lower than the actual market value, as annual increases on owner-occupied primary residences are capped at a specific percentage.

Available Exemptions

Maryland offers several tax relief programs to reduce the financial burden on specific groups of homeowners. To qualify, you must generally reside in the property as your primary residence.

• Homestead Tax Credit: Limits the annual increase in taxable assessment for owner-occupied properties, protecting homeowners from spikes in property value.
• Senior Citizen Property Tax Credit: Calvert County provides a local tax credit for residents aged 65 and older who meet specific income and eligibility requirements.
• Disability Exemptions: Certain exemptions are available for individuals who are 100% permanently disabled, including specific provisions for disabled veterans.
• Veterans’ Exemption: Maryland law provides a full property tax exemption for the dwellings of veterans who have been rated by the VA as 100% service-connected, permanent, and totally disabled.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Calvert County are typically mailed in July of each year. The payment schedule is designed to provide flexibility for taxpayers:

• Annual Payment: If you choose to pay in full, the deadline is September 30.
• Semi-Annual Payment: You may opt to pay in two installments. The first half is due by September 30, and the second half is due by December 31.

Failure to pay by these deadlines results in interest and penalties. Interest accrues at a rate of 1% per month for each month the tax remains unpaid. If taxes remain delinquent, the county may initiate a tax lien sale, which can ultimately lead to the loss of the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property's assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The process begins once you receive your Notice of Assessment from the SDAT. You must file a written appeal within 45 days of the date printed on your notice. The first step is typically an informal hearing with an assessor, where you can present evidence such as recent appraisals or sales data of comparable properties in your neighborhood. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the informal hearing, you may further appeal to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB) and subsequently to the Maryland Tax Court.