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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Baltimore County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Baltimore County, MD. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1%
Exemptions
1+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Baltimore County operates under Maryland's property tax system, where property taxes serve as a primary funding source for essential county services including public schools, police and fire protection, road maintenance, and various community services. The county's property tax is based on the assessed value of real property, which is determined by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and reassessed every three years to reflect current market conditions.

The effective property tax rate in Baltimore County is $1.10 per $100 of assessed real property value as of fiscal year 2025. This translates to an annual tax rate of 1.1% of the assessed property value. Property owners should note that assessed values may differ from market values, and the county offers various exemptions that can reduce the taxable assessment, potentially lowering the overall tax burden for eligible homeowners.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base County Levy$1.10Primary county operations, schools, public safety, infrastructure
General County ServicesIncluded in basePolice, fire protection, emergency services, parks and recreation
Board of EducationIncluded in basePublic school system funding and operations
Debt ServiceIncluded in baseCounty bonds for capital improvements and school construction
Special AssessmentsVariesMay apply to specific districts for improvements like streetlights or water/sewer

Note: The $1.10 rate represents the total combined rate for all county services and is significantly lower than Baltimore City's rate of $2.248 per $100.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Baltimore County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Baltimore County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or use. These taxes are triggered by events such as new construction completion, property transfers that remove exemptions, additions or improvements that increase assessed value, or changes in property classification (residential to commercial).

Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in March, increasing the assessed value from $400,000 to $450,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($450,000 - $400,000) × $1.10 per $100 × 10 months remaining ÷ 12 months = approximately $458 in additional taxes for that fiscal year.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$0 (varies by eligibility)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $1.10 = $3,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $275

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$0 (varies by eligibility)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $1.10 = $6,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $550

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$0 (varies by eligibility)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $1.10 = $11,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $917

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Baltimore County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through an escrow account managed by their lender. The mortgage company estimates annual tax obligations, divides by 12, and collects this amount with monthly mortgage payments. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in the escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes become due.

Property taxes in Baltimore County are typically due semi-annually, though payment schedules can vary. The county sends tax bills directly to the property owner of record, even when taxes are paid through escrow. Homeowners should verify that their mortgage company receives and pays these bills promptly. For specific payment dates, account information, and online payment options, property owners can visit the Baltimore County real property tax portal at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/budget/realproperty/ to access their account details and payment history.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Baltimore County property taxes due? A: Tax payment schedules vary but are typically due semi-annually. Check your tax bill or the county website for specific due dates.

Q: What exemptions are available to reduce my property taxes? A: Baltimore County offers various exemptions including homestead credits, senior citizen exemptions, and disabled veteran exemptions. Contact the county assessor for eligibility requirements.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: Maryland reassesses all properties every three years to reflect current market values.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Visit https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/ for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest and penalty charges. Contact the county immediately if you cannot make payments by the due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are available through the Baltimore County website at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/budget/realproperty/.

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental tax assessment? A: Supplemental assessments can be appealed through the same process as regular assessments via the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Q: How do I verify that my mortgage company paid my property taxes? A: Check your annual escrow statement from your lender and verify payments on the county's online portal using your property account number.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Baltimore County Assessordat.maryland.gov
02
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Bills Packagebaltimorecountymd.gov
03
Tax Doc
Real Property Taxes | Baltimore Citybaltimorecity.gov
04
Real Property | City of Baltimorepay.baltimorecity.gov
05
Tax Doc
§ 1-10. Supplemental Tax. | City of Baltimore Law Librarycodes.baltimorecity.gov
06
Tax Doc
§ 6-8. Supplemental Tax. | City of Baltimore Law Librarycodes.baltimorecity.gov
07
Tax Doc
§ 7-8. Supplemental Tax. | City of Baltimore Law Librarycodes.baltimorecity.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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