Please be advised that applications submitted by mail will take longer to process than applications submitted online. Please be certain your computer has the free Adobe Reader, or other PDF reader software available to access the application. Once completed, applications should be mailed to:
State Department of Assessments & Taxation
Homeowners' Tax Credit Program
P.O. Box 49005
Baltimore, MD. 21297
Please do not email any tax credit applications or supporting documentation to the Department. They will not be accepted in accordance with State Data Security protocol . Instead, please apply online or mail your documentation to the address above.
Your Application Is Confidential
Persons filing for the Homeowners' Tax Credit Program are required to submit copies of their prior year's federal income tax returns and to provide the Department with permission to verify the amount of income reported with other State and Federal agencies. The sole purpose for which this information is sought is to determine your eligibility for a tax credit. All income-related information supplied by the homeowner on the application form is held with the strictest confidentiality. It is unlawful for any officer or employee of the State or any political subdivision to divulge any particulars set forth in the application or any tax return filed, except in accordance with judicial or legislative order. This information is available to officers of the State in their official capacity and to taxing officials of any state, territory, or the federal government, as provided by statute.
Prospective Home Buyers
Qualified home purchasers should apply in advance for the Homeowners' Tax Credit before acquiring title to the property. The purpose of this program is to help reduce the amount of monies needed at the time of settlement. You must apply at least 30 days before your expected settlement date to receive any credit due at the time of settlement. For more information, please email
sdat.homeowners@maryland.gov or call 410-767-4433 and request Form HTC-NP.
The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against the homeowner's property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person's gross income. In other words, it sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income.
For purposes of the tax credit program, it is emphasized that applicants must report total income, which means the combined gross income before any deductions are taken. Income information must be reported for the homeowner and spouse and all other occupants of the household unless they are dependents or they are paying rent or room and board. Income from all sources must be reported whether or not the monies received are included as income for Federal and State income tax purposes. Nontaxable retirement benefits such as Social Security and Railroad Retirement must be reported as income for the tax credit program. Generally, eligibility for the tax credit will be based upon all monies received in the applicant's household in a given year.
Before your eligibility according to income can be considered, you must meet four basic requirements
The tax credit is based upon the amount by which the property taxes exceed a percentage of your income according to the following formula: 0% of the first $8,000 of the combined household income; 4% of the next $4,000 of income; 6.5% of the next $4,000 of income; and 9% of all income above $16,000.
The chart below is printed in $1,000 increments to show you the specific tax limit for each income level.