Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in St. Mary'S County

Property taxes in St. Mary’s County are determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the combined tax rates set by the county and the State of Maryland. The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) conducts property assessments every three years. If your property value increases, the phase-in of that increase is spread over the three-year period. The tax rate, often referred to as the millage rate, is expressed as a dollar amount per $100 of assessed value. Your final tax bill is calculated by multiplying your net assessed value by the total applicable tax rate.

Available Exemptions

Maryland offers several programs to help reduce the tax burden for eligible homeowners. It is important to note that these exemptions must be applied for and, in some cases, renewed periodically:

• Homestead Tax Credit: Limits the annual increase in taxable assessment for owner-occupied properties, protecting homeowners from sharp spikes in property taxes due to rising market values.
• Senior Citizen Tax Credit: St. Mary’s County provides specific credits for residents aged 65 and older who meet certain income and residency requirements.
• Disability Exemptions: Disabled veterans and surviving spouses of fallen service members may be eligible for a full exemption from real property taxes on their primary residence.
• Blind Persons Exemption: A specific property tax exemption is available for individuals who are legally blind.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in St. Mary’s County are typically mailed in July of each year. The county offers a standard payment schedule, but taxpayers also have the option to utilize a semi-annual payment plan. If choosing the semi-annual option, the first half of the tax is due by September 30, and the second half is due by December 31. Failure to pay by the statutory deadlines results in the accrual of interest and penalties, which are calculated monthly. Delinquent accounts may eventually be subject to a tax sale, where the county auctions the tax lien on the property to recover unpaid balances.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with a formal request for a hearing with the Supervisor of Assessments for St. Mary’s County. Appeals must be filed within 45 days of the date on your assessment notice. During the appeal, you should provide evidence to support your claim, such as recent appraisals, photographs of the property’s condition, or sales data for comparable homes in your neighborhood. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the supervisor’s hearing, you may further appeal to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB) and subsequently to the Maryland Tax Court.