Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Washington County

Property taxes in Washington County are 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 triennial assessments, meaning your property is physically inspected and revalued once every three years. The value is based on market conditions, and any increase in value is phased in over the three-year cycle.

The total tax bill is calculated by multiplying your property’s assessed value by the sum of the state, county, and municipal tax rates. While the state sets a uniform rate, the Washington County Board of County Commissioners and local municipal governments set their respective rates annually to fund public services like schools, infrastructure, and emergency response. If you believe your assessment is inaccurate, you have the right to request a review during the designated assessment period.

Available Exemptions

Maryland offers several tax relief programs designed to mitigate the burden on specific resident groups. Eligibility requirements are strictly enforced by the SDAT:

• Homestead Property Tax Credit: Limits the annual increase in taxable assessment for owner-occupied residential properties to 10% or less, depending on local ordinances.
• Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program: Provides relief for eligible homeowners who meet specific income requirements, regardless of age.
• Senior Citizen/Retiree Credit: Offered by certain jurisdictions to residents aged 65 or older who meet specific criteria.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Provides a full property tax exemption for dwellings owned by honorably discharged veterans who have a 100% service-connected, permanent disability.
• Blind Persons Exemption: A specific reduction in the assessment value for residents who are legally blind.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Washington County are typically mailed in July. The state of Maryland utilizes a semi-annual payment schedule for residential properties:

• First Installment: Due by September 30.
• Second Installment: Due by December 31.

If you choose to pay the entire amount at once, the full payment is due by September 30. Failure to submit payments by these deadlines results in interest and penalties, which accrue monthly. Delinquent accounts may eventually be subject to a tax lien sale, where the county sells the right to collect the unpaid taxes to a third party, potentially putting your property ownership at risk.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you disagree with your property’s assessed value, you may file an appeal with the Washington County assessment office. The appeal process must be initiated within 45 days of the date on your "Notice of Assessment" form. You may request an informal hearing with a supervisor to discuss the valuation and provide evidence—such as recent appraisals or sales data of comparable properties—to support a lower valuation. If you remain dissatisfied after the informal hearing, you may appeal to the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board and, subsequently, the Maryland Tax Court.