What is the property tax rate in Baltimore County County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Baltimore County County, Maryland is approximately 1.13%.

Baltimore County County Property Tax Calculator (2026)

Property Tax in Baltimore County County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Towson-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Baltimore County County — including Maryland's combined state + county property tax structure, the Homestead Tax Credit's county-set caps on annual taxable assessment growth (Anne Arundel 2%, Talbot 0%, most counties 5%, max 10%), the income-tested Homeowners' Property Tax Credit, and the constitutional 100% disabled veterans full exemption (Tax-Property §7-208).

Baltimore County County, home to Towson and 855k Marylanders, operates under Maryland's combined state + county property tax system. Tax = Assessed Value × combined rate per $100 of AV. Assessments are conducted by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) every three years (Group 1, 2, or 3 cycles), with assessment increases phased in over 3 years. Maryland's 24 jurisdictions (23 counties + Baltimore City) each set their own county/city tax rate.

How the bill is built

Maryland property tax involves layered steps. Step 1: Full Cash Value. SDAT determines full cash value (= fair market value) every 3 years on a triennial cycle. Step 2: Phased-in Assessment. Increases in assessment are phased in evenly over 3 years (decreases applied immediately). Step 3: Apply state + county/city tax rates. State rate is $0.112/$100 statewide; county/city rates vary widely from ~$0.62 (Talbot) to ~$1.97 (Baltimore City). Baltimore County's combined rate is approximately $1.13/$100 of phased-in AV. Step 4: Apply Homestead Tax Credit cap. Annual taxable assessment growth is capped at the county-set rate (4% in Baltimore County). Owner-occupants must file a one-time application with SDAT to establish eligibility.

Maryland's Homestead Tax Credit requires a one-time application — it's not automatic. Homeowners who fail to file with SDAT lose the cap-on-assessment-growth protection. The county's cap rate determines how aggressively annual assessment increases are limited. Check your status at the SDAT Real Property database.

Maryland 100% disabled veterans receive a FULL exemption (Tax-Property §7-208). Veterans declared by the VA to have a 100% service-connected permanent and total disability — or 100% individually unemployable — receive a complete exemption from real property taxes on their dwelling and curtilage. Surviving spouses retain the exemption (unmarried). Surviving spouses of US service members killed in line of duty also fully exempt. This is among the most-comprehensive disabled-veteran exemptions in the United States. Counties separately offer partial credits for 50%-99% disabled veterans (varies by county adoption — e.g., Anne Arundel offers 50% of county tax for 75%+ disability with income below $100K).

The Homeowners' Property Tax Credit caps tax as percent of income. Separate from the Homestead Tax Credit, Maryland's income-tested Homeowners' Property Tax Credit limits property tax to a sliding-scale percentage of household income. For 2026, applications are due by April 15 with income limits set at ~$60K for individuals or couples (some credit can extend higher). The program provided $63.9 million in credits statewide in fiscal year 2025. Many Maryland counties (including Baltimore City and Howard) provide a local supplement on top of the state credit.

2026 Baltimore County County rate breakdown (combined state + county rate per $100 of phased-in AV, Towson district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined state + county tax rate (~$1.13 / $100 of phased-in AV)	1.1300
Combined total	1.1300

As of April 26, 2026 · From Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation - Baltimore County.

Note: Baltimore County is the **wraparound suburban county surrounding Baltimore City** — Maryland's unusual situation where the City of Baltimore is independent (not part of any county) and the surrounding territory is "Baltimore County" with a separate government, schools, and tax base. The seat is Towson (~58K, home to Towson University, ~22K students), with major suburbs including Dundalk (industrial Sparrows Point/Bethlehem Steel legacy), Catonsville (UMBC), Essex, Pikesville (Jewish-American cultural center), and Owings Mills (the original headquarters of the Baltimore Ravens at the Under Armour Performance Center).

Note: Baltimore County effective property tax rates run approximately 1.13% — moderate by Maryland standards. Combined tax rate is approximately $1.13/$100 of phased-in AV (split into ~$0.11 state + ~$1.10 county). Baltimore County sets a Homestead Tax Credit cap of **4%** on annual taxable assessment growth. Median home values around $345K (substantially lower than Montgomery, comparable to Prince George's) combined with the moderate rate produce median annual bills around $3,899.

Note: For relocation buyers: Baltimore County offers **strong value compared to Montgomery County** — lower home prices, the 4% Homestead cap protects primary-residence owners from rapid bill increases, and proximity to Baltimore City's cultural amenities (Inner Harbor, Camden Yards, Johns Hopkins Hospital) without paying Baltimore City's very high tax rate. Towson is a thriving suburban-urban hub with Towson Town Center and Towson University. The trade-off vs. Montgomery: less federal employment density, somewhat further from DC. Baltimore-Washington commute is feasible (Baltimore to DC is ~45 min via MARC or driving).

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

Maryland homeowner property tax relief is concentrated in four mechanisms: (1) the Homestead Tax Credit (county-set caps on annual taxable assessment growth), (2) the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit (income-tested, caps tax as percent of income), (3) county senior tax credits (typically ~20% of county tax for age 65+ with limited income), and (4) the constitutional 100% Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption (Tax-Property §7-208 — full exemption).

Homestead Tax Credit (county-set caps)

Maryland's Homestead Tax Credit caps annual taxable assessment growth on owner-occupied principal residences. State law caps the state portion at 10%; counties set their own (typically lower) caps for the county portion: Anne Arundel 2% (one of the most-protective in MD), Talbot 0% (the most-protective — AV essentially frozen), Prince George's / St. Mary's / Garrett 3%, Allegany / Baltimore City / Baltimore County / Cecil 4%, most others 5%, Charles 7%, Montgomery / Calvert / Somerset 10% (the state max). One-time application required (file with SDAT) — homeowners who fail to apply lose the protection. Check status at the SDAT Real Property database.

Homeowners' Property Tax Credit (income-tested)

The Homeowners' Property Tax Credit limits property tax to a sliding-scale percentage of household income. For 2026, applications are due by April 15 with income limits set at ~$60,000 for individuals or couples (some credit can extend higher). Up to ~$1,000+ in annual credits for income-qualified homeowners. The program provided $63.9 million in credits statewide in fiscal year 2025. Many Maryland counties (including Baltimore City and Howard) provide a local supplement on top of the state credit.

100% Disabled Veterans Exemption (Tax-Property §7-208)

Maryland provides a full real property tax exemption for veterans declared by the VA to have a 100% service-connected permanent and total disability OR 100% individually unemployable. The exemption applies to the dwelling and curtilage (lot and structures necessary to use the property as residence). Surviving spouses retain (unmarried). Surviving spouses of US service members killed in line of duty are also fully exempt. Apply with the local SDAT office with DD-214 + VA rating decision. Refunds available retroactive to VA rating effective date (up to 3 years). Counties separately offer partial credits for 50%-99% disabled veterans (varies by county adoption — e.g., Anne Arundel offers 50% of county tax for 75%+ disability with income below $100K).

Appealing your assessment

Maryland property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: Local SDAT Office. File a written appeal within 45 days of the assessment notice (Maryland reassesses on a triennial cycle — Group 1, 2, or 3 — covering one-third of properties each year). Local SDAT supervisors review and may adjust the assessment. Level 2: Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB). If denied, appeal to the county PTAAB within 30 days. PTAAB holds quasi-judicial hearings — homeowners can present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or independent appraiser testimony. Level 3: Maryland Tax Court. PTAAB decisions can be appealed to the Maryland Tax Court (a state-level administrative tribunal); from there to Circuit Court. Most Maryland appeals are resolved at Level 1 or Level 2.

Cities and towns in Baltimore County County

Baltimore County County contains 6 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Towson to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Baltimore County County is subject to Baltimore County County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Dundalk	Census-designated place	64,500
Towson County seat	Census-designated place	58,300
Catonsville	Census-designated place	44,700
Essex	Census-designated place	39,800
Owings Mills	Census-designated place	35,400
Pikesville	Census-designated place	32,600

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Towson tax district. Other cities in Baltimore County County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation - Baltimore County before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are Maryland property taxes due?

Maryland's property tax year runs July 1 through June 30. Bills are typically mailed in July. Owner-occupied primary residences can pay in two installments: September 30 (first half) and December 31 (second half), or pay the full bill by September 30 to avoid the second installment. Investment properties and commercial owners typically pay full bill by September 30. Late payments accrue interest plus penalty (1% per month typical). Most Maryland homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer.

Do I have to apply for the Homestead Tax Credit?

Yes — the Homestead Tax Credit requires a one-time application with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). After the 2007 reform, owners who fail to apply lose the cap-on-assessment-growth protection (which can mean significant additional tax in counties with low caps like Anne Arundel's 2% or Talbot's 0%). Check your status at the SDAT Real Property database (look up your property → scroll to "Homestead Application Status"). If it says "No application," file the application immediately. Once approved, the credit applies as long as the property remains your principal residence — no annual renewal required.

What's the difference between Baltimore City and Baltimore County?

Maryland has an unusual jurisdictional structure: Baltimore City is an independent jurisdiction, NOT part of any county. The City of Baltimore was incorporated in 1729, separated from Baltimore County in 1851, and operates as its own first-level political subdivision (similar to the 38 independent cities in Virginia). Baltimore County (with its seat in Towson) is a wraparound suburban county surrounding the City. The two have separate governments, separate school systems, separate police departments, and separate tax bases. Baltimore City's effective tax rate (~1.97%) is much higher than Baltimore County's (~1.13%) — reflecting the City's smaller residential base relative to its service obligations. Maryland's other 23 jurisdictions are all counties.

How do I qualify for the 100% Disabled Veterans full property tax exemption?

Maryland's full disabled-veterans exemption (Tax-Property §7-208) requires: (a) honorable discharge from US military service, AND (b) VA-determined 100% service-connected permanent and total disability OR 100% individually unemployable rating. Apply with the local SDAT office using the Application for Exemption for Disabled Veterans, attaching DD-214 and the VA rating decision (which must reference the 100% P&T or unemployable rating, the rating decision date, and the disability effective date). The exemption applies to the dwelling, lot, and curtilage (structures necessary to use the property as residence). Surviving spouses (unmarried) retain. Refunds available retroactive to the VA rating effective date (up to 3 years pursuant to §7-208(g)). Counties separately offer partial credits for 50%-99% disabled veterans — see your county's tax credit program.

How does Maryland's triennial assessment cycle work?

Maryland reassesses property on a triennial cycle — Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3, with each group covering approximately one-third of properties. SDAT mails reassessment notices by January 1 of the assessment year. Increases in assessment are phased in evenly over the next 3 years, while decreases are applied immediately for the new tax year. For example: if 2026 reassessment shows a $360,000 home (up from $300,000 in 2023), the $60,000 increase is split into $20,000/year over 3 years (FY27, FY28, FY29). The Homestead Tax Credit's annual cap applies to each phased-in increment. Baltimore County reassesses on a published group cycle — check the SDAT calendar for the next reassessment year.

How do I appeal my Maryland assessment?

Maryland property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: Local SDAT Office. File a written appeal within 45 days of the assessment notice. SDAT supervisors review and may adjust. Level 2: Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB). If denied, appeal to the county PTAAB within 30 days. PTAAB holds quasi-judicial hearings — present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or independent appraiser testimony. Level 3: Maryland Tax Court. PTAAB decisions can be appealed to the Maryland Tax Court (a state-level administrative tribunal); from there to Circuit Court. Most appeals are resolved at Level 1 or Level 2. Comparable sales evidence is the most-effective basis for appeal.

About Baltimore County County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

Sparrows Point (in Baltimore County, southeast of Dundalk) was **the largest steel mill complex in the world** for much of the 20th century — Bethlehem Steel's Sparrows Point Plant covered 3,100 acres and at its peak (1960s-1970s) employed ~30,000 workers producing 8 million tons of steel per year. The mill produced steel for the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, and millions of automobile bodies. Bethlehem Steel's 2001 bankruptcy and the mill's 2012 closure marked the end of large-scale American steel manufacturing on the East Coast. The site is now Tradepoint Atlantic — a 3,300-acre logistics and shipping hub serving the Port of Baltimore.

Hometown hero

Babe Ruth

The American baseball legend (1895-1948) was born in Baltimore (technically Baltimore City, but his early childhood years included St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys in Baltimore County). Ruth's career (1914-1935) for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Boston Braves established him as the most-celebrated player in baseball history — career statistics include 714 home runs, 2,213 RBIs, .342 batting average, and a then-record .690 slugging percentage. The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum (in Baltimore City, near Camden Yards) preserves his birth home and family artifacts.

Biggest annual event

Maryland State Fair + Towsontown Spring Festival

The Maryland State Fair (annual, late August through Labor Day at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Baltimore County, since 1879) is **the largest agricultural fair in Maryland** — drawing 500,000+ attendees over an 11-day run with the Pimlico-area horse racing focus, livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, the State Fair Concert Series, and traditional fair attractions. The Towsontown Spring Festival (annual, late April/early May, since 1968) is one of the largest free street festivals in the Mid-Atlantic — drawing 250,000+ attendees to downtown Towson with 350+ vendors, multiple music stages, and a children's area.

Property Tax in Baltimore County County, 2026