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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Worcester County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.927 per $100 of assessed value ($0.815 county + $0.112 state), varies by special districts and municipalities
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Dec 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Worcester County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes in Worcester County are collected by the county on behalf of both the county and the state, with the combined tax rate for FY 2026 set at $0.927 per $100 of assessed value ($0.815 county rate plus $0.112 state rate). The Worcester County Commissioners approved a decreased property tax rate for FY 2026, reducing the county portion while maintaining increased funding for education and public safety priorities.

Property owners should note that actual tax rates may vary by location within Worcester County due to special taxing districts, municipal taxes, and other local assessments that may apply to specific areas. The county assesses properties based on current market value, and tax bills are calculated by applying the tax rate to the assessed value after any applicable tax credits are deducted.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Worcester County Base$0.815County operations, education, public safety (FY 2026)
State of Maryland$0.112State property tax collected by county
Total Base Rate$0.927Combined county and state rate
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments may apply based on location
Municipal TaxesVariesIncorporated areas may have additional municipal rates

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2026 tax year. Special taxing districts within Worcester County may impose additional assessments for services such as fire protection, water/sewer, or other local improvements, which would increase the effective tax rate in those specific areas.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 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 are additional property tax assessments that occur when there is a change in property ownership, completion of new construction, or other assessable improvements made to a property during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value for the remainder of the current tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Worcester County in January and the previous assessment was significantly lower than the current market value, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment amount. Similarly, if you complete a home addition or other improvements, the increased property value will trigger a supplemental assessment. Worcester County offers a discount of one-half percent of the county property tax amount for original supplemental real property tax bills mailed after July 15, encouraging prompt payment of these additional assessments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (with Homestead Credit)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Limits assessment increase
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × $0.927 ÷ 100 = $2,781
  • Monthly Escrow: $232

Example 2: $600,000 Home (with Senior Citizens Credit)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior Citizens Credit Applied: Varies based on income (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$580,000 (estimated after credit)
  • Annual Tax: $580,000 × $0.927 ÷ 100 = $5,377
  • Monthly Escrow: $448

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (no credits)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: None
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × $0.927 ÷ 100 = $9,270
  • Monthly Escrow: $773

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Credits are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Worcester County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Worcester County when due. Escrow payments are calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12, often with an additional cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property tax bills in Worcester County are due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 for properties that qualify for the semi-annual payment option (principal residences). Lenders typically pay these bills before the due dates to avoid penalties. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your payments were applied and any adjustments needed for the coming year. It's important to review your tax bills even when using escrow to ensure accuracy and to verify that all applicable credits have been properly applied to your account.

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 taxes due in Worcester County? A: For FY 2026, property taxes are due April 1 and October 1 for principal residences eligible for semi-annual payments. A 0.5% discount on county taxes is available for payments made in July.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Worcester County offers various tax credits including the Homestead Credit, Senior Citizens Credit, and Veterans' Disability Credit. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Worcester County Assessor's office for specific application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the annual increase in your property's assessed value for tax purposes, not the actual market value. This credit requires application and only applies to your principal residence. It caps assessment growth to help manage tax bill increases.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Maryland law requires properties to be reassessed at least once every three years. Worcester County follows the state schedule for reassessment cycles, with notices sent to property owners when reassessments occur.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties as specified by Maryland law. Contact the Worcester County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you're facing difficulties.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Worcester County offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners have the right to appeal their assessments. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes, typically within 45 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation for appeal procedures.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties located within special taxing districts (such as fire districts, water/sewer districts, or improvement districts) may be subject to additional assessments beyond the base county and state rates, resulting in higher effective tax rates in those areas.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
FY26 Worcester budget decreases property tax rate, increases ...co.worcester.md.us
02
County
Real Property Tax | Worcester Countyco.worcester.md.us
03
Tax Doc
FY25 Worcester budget maintains tax rate, increases ...co.worcester.md.us
04
County
Worcester County | Worcester Countyco.worcester.md.us
05
County
Treasurer's Office - Worcester Countyco.worcester.md.us
06
Tax Doc
APPLICATION FOR HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT ELIGIBILITYdat.maryland.gov
07
Tax Doc
Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit Programdat.maryland.gov
08
Real Property Exemptionsdat.maryland.gov
09
County
for early payment of property taxes - Worcester Countyco.worcester.md.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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