Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Prince George'S County

Property taxes in Prince George’s County are determined by the interaction between the assessed value of your property and the applicable tax rates. Every three years, the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) reassesses your property to determine its "full cash value." This assessment serves as the basis for your tax bill. The total tax amount is calculated by applying a combined tax rate—consisting of the state rate, the county rate, and any applicable municipal rates—to your property's assessed value.

To prevent sudden, drastic increases in tax bills, the county utilizes the Homestead Property Tax Credit. This credit limits the annual increase in the taxable assessment of an owner-occupied primary residence. While your property value may rise significantly in a hot market, the taxable portion is capped, typically at 10% per year, ensuring that tax obligations remain predictable for homeowners.

Available Exemptions

Maryland offers several programs designed to provide tax relief to specific groups of homeowners. Utilizing these exemptions can significantly reduce your annual tax burden:

• Homestead Tax Credit: Limits the amount of assessment increase on your primary residence, as mentioned above.
• Senior Citizen Tax Credit: Prince George’s County provides specific credits for homeowners aged 65 and older who meet certain income and residency requirements.
• Disability Exemptions: Residents who are totally and permanently disabled may qualify for exemptions or credits that reduce the taxable value of their home.
• Veterans’ Exemptions: Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected, permanent, and total disability may be eligible for a full exemption from real property taxes on their primary residence.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Prince George’s County are typically mailed in July. The county offers flexibility in how you choose to pay your obligations:

• Annual Payment: If you pay the full amount by September 30, you may be eligible for a discount if applicable.
• Semi-Annual Payment: This option allows you to pay in two installments: the first half by September 30 and the second half by December 31.

Failure to pay by these deadlines results in the accrual of interest and penalties, which are added to the balance on a monthly basis. If taxes remain unpaid for an extended period, the county may initiate a tax sale of the property to recover the outstanding balance.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessment issued by the SDAT does not reflect the fair market value of your property, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with an informal hearing with the local assessment office. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the informal hearing, you may file a formal appeal with the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB). It is essential to provide evidence, such as recent appraisals or documentation of comparable home sales in your neighborhood, to support your claim during the appeal process.