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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Garrett County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$1.02 per $100 of assessed value (proposed FY 2025-2026), varies by special taxing districts and municipal boundaries
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Jul 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Garrett County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes in Garrett County are assessed annually based on the full cash value of real property as of July 1st each year, with tax bills issued on July 1st for the fiscal year running from July 1 to June 30.

The effective tax rate in Garrett County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. For FY 2025-2026, the proposed county-wide rate is $1.02 per $100 of assessed value (reduced from the previous $1.056), though final approval is pending. Property owners should verify their specific rate as additional assessments may apply depending on their property's location within various special districts or municipalities.

Property taxes are collected in two installments annually, with the first payment due by September 30th and the second payment due by December 31st. The county follows Maryland's assessment practices with no statutory cap on annual assessment increases, though eligible homeowners may apply for the Homestead Tax Credit to limit assessment growth.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base County Rate$1.02*General county operations, services, and capital improvements
State RateVariesMaryland state property tax (minimal)
Municipal RatesVariesAdditional rates for incorporated municipalities within Garrett County
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts, and other special assessments

*Proposed rate for FY 2025-2026, subject to final approval by Garrett County Commissioners

Note: The total effective tax rate varies significantly by property location within Garrett County. Properties within incorporated municipalities or special taxing districts will have additional rates applied. Property owners should consult their annual tax bill or contact the Garrett County Department of Assessments and Taxation for their specific total rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Garrett County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual billing cycle. These are triggered by significant changes to property ownership or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date of July 1st but before the end of the fiscal year on June 30th.

Common triggers include: change in property ownership through sale or transfer, completion of new construction or major renovations that increase assessed value, and subdivision of property or lot line adjustments. The supplemental tax is calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $400,000 to $500,000 due to completed renovations in January, and the tax rate is $1.02 per $100, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 ÷ 100) × $1.02 × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $510. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from the regular annual tax bill and would have its own payment schedule.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (assuming 10% cap applied): $0 (first year)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $1.02 = $3,060
  • Monthly Escrow: $255

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $1.02 = $6,120
  • Monthly Escrow: $510

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (if applicable): Variable (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $1.02 = $10,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $850

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and eligibility verification. Homestead Credit caps assessment increases, not the base assessment. Actual rates may vary by special district.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Garrett County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pay the county directly when taxes become due.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are typically made to meet Garrett County's two annual deadlines: September 30th for the first installment and December 31st for the second installment. Lenders usually pay slightly before these deadlines to ensure timely receipt. Property owners should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender showing the account balance and any required adjustments.

Property owners remain responsible for verifying that their lender makes timely payments and for any shortfalls in the escrow account. If escrow payments are insufficient due to assessment increases or rate changes, lenders will typically spread the shortage over the following 12 months while adjusting future monthly payments. Property owners can contact the Garrett County Collection Office to verify payment status and confirm their account is current.

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 property tax payments due in Garrett County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - first installment by September 30, 2025, and second installment by December 31, 2025.

Q: What is the Homestead Tax Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Tax Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence. It does NOT reduce your property's market value but caps how much the taxable assessment can increase each year. You must apply with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, and your property must be your primary residence as of January 1st.

Q: Are there other tax credits available in Garrett County? A: Yes, including Senior Citizen Credits and Veterans' Disability Credits. All credits require separate applications and eligibility verification. Contact the Garrett County Department of Assessments and Taxation for specific requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Garrett County? A: Properties are assessed annually as of July 1st each year. The county follows a cyclical physical inspection schedule, but assessments are updated annually based on market conditions and property changes.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalty charges. Contact the Garrett County Collection Office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed the September 30th or December 31st deadlines.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Garrett County offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the Department of Financial Services Collection Office for current online payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties within fire districts, municipal boundaries, or other special taxing districts will have additional rates applied to their tax bill. These appear as separate line items and vary by location within the county.

Q: What should I do if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessment through the Maryland Property Tax Assessment Appeal process. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax Rate to be Reducedgarrettcountymd.gov
02
Tax Doc
Local Real Property Tax Rates in Marylanddls.maryland.gov
03
Tax Doc
2024-2025 TAX RATES & HOMESTEAD CREDIT CAPSdat.maryland.gov
04
Billing & Collections Officegarrettcountymd.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Frequently Asked Questionsgarrettcountymd.gov
06
County
2023 GARRETT COUNTY TAX SALE REGISTRATION ...garrettcountymd.gov
07
Tax Doc
About Maryland Homestead Property Tax Creditgarrettcountymd.gov
08
Tax Doc
APPLICATION FOR HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT ELIGIBILITYdat.maryland.gov
09
Tax Doc
Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit Programdat.maryland.gov
10
Appendix Fmarylandcomptroller.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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