HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kent County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
5% of assessed value (varies by location due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kent County, Maryland operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property taxes in Kent County are assessed on real property based on its assessed value, which is determined by the county's assessment office through periodic evaluations of market conditions and property characteristics.

The property tax rate for fiscal year 2025 is 5% of assessed value, though your actual effective rate may vary depending on your location within the county due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. Property owners should note that incorporated municipalities may have additional tax considerations, and some areas may benefit from tax set-off arrangements that provide relief reflecting the value of municipal services. The county operates on a fiscal year running from July 1 to June 30, with annual tax bills typically mailed in late summer.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Real Property Tax5.0%Base county tax rate for fiscal year 2025
Personal Property Tax0.0000%No personal property tax assessed for 2025
Utility TaxVariousUtility companies subject to separate taxation structure
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional taxes may apply in incorporated areas

Note: These rates apply to fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025). Rates are expressed as a percentage of assessed value and may vary by special taxing districts within Kent County. Property owners in incorporated municipalities should check with their local tax office for additional municipal tax rates that may apply.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kent 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 Kent County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that alter the assessed value of a property during the current tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessment, then applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental tax amount.

For example, if you purchase a home in Kent County and the new assessment is higher than the previous owner's assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference. If a property was previously assessed at $400,000 and your new assessment is $450,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $50,000 difference at the 5% tax rate, resulting in an additional $2,500 in taxes prorated for the remaining portion of the fiscal year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (5% rate): $15,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,250

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (5% rate): $30,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (5% rate): $50,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $4,167

Note: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Kent County Tax Office for available credit programs and application procedures.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kent County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, holding these funds in an escrow account to pay your property taxes when due.

Since Kent County property taxes are due annually on September 30th, with a semi-annual option for primary residences (September 30th and December 31st), your lender will typically pay the full annual amount or make the two semi-annual payments on your behalf. Lenders must provide annual escrow account statements showing deposits, payments made, and any shortages or surpluses. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and may require you to make up any shortage over 12 months or in a lump sum, depending on the amount.

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 Kent County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Annual property tax bills are due September 30th. Primary residence owners may elect semi-annual payments due September 30th and December 31st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Various tax credits and exemptions are available to Kent County property owners, but they require separate applications. Most credits are NOT automatic and must be filed with the appropriate deadlines. Contact the Kent County Tax Office for specific credit programs and application forms.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Homestead credits typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's assessed value. You must apply for homestead protection - it is not automatic. The credit caps how much your assessment can increase each year, providing tax stability for long-term homeowners.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Kent County? A: Maryland law requires property reassessments, though the specific schedule varies by county. Contact the Kent County Assessment Office for the current reassessment cycle and to understand how your property's assessed value is determined.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Kent County Tax Office for current penalty rates and payment options if you cannot meet the September 30th deadline.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many Maryland counties offer online payment options. Check the Kent County Tax Office website or call their office to confirm available online payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my property tax bill? A: Yes, your location within Kent County may subject your property to additional taxes from special districts or municipal taxes in incorporated areas. Some municipalities offer tax set-off arrangements that may provide relief.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed within specific deadlines, typically within 60 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Kent County Assessment Office for appeal forms and procedures to challenge your property's assessed value.

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
2024-2025 TAX RATES & HOMESTEAD CREDIT CAPSdat.maryland.gov
02
Tax Doc
Local Real Property Tax Rates in Marylanddls.maryland.gov
03
County
County-Municipal Property Tax Ratesdls.maryland.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Credits, Exemptions & Assessmentkentcountyde.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Sale Scheduledat.maryland.gov
06
Tax Doc
Question and Answers on Semiannual Property Tax Paymentdat.maryland.gov
07
County
Property Tax Setoffs in Kent County, Maryland*chestertown.gov
08
Real Property Exemptionsdat.maryland.gov
09
Appendix Fmarylandcomptroller.gov
10
Home Owners Gudedat.maryland.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate