2018 End of Session Wrap-up: Property Taxes

An overview of MACo’s work on legislation involving property tax credits in the 2018 General Assembly. 

Follow links for more coverage on Conduit Street and MACo’s Legislative Database

Property Tax Legislation

Push Icons-DEFEATED

MACo successfully opposed a bill that would have expanded the eligibility criteria for three property tax credit programs for specified law enforcement officers by enabling additional law enforcement officers to qualify for the tax credits. Senate Bill 701 received an unfavorable report and was withdrawn by the sponsor. Bill Information

Push Icons-DEFEATED

MACo opposed a bill that would have significantly expand eligibility for a property tax credit enabled two years ago to include all elderly county residents who have lived within the county for at least 25 years. Senate Bill 427 did not advance out of its committee. Bill Information | MACo Coverage

Push Icons-DEFEATED

MACo opposed a bill that would have opened up property tax savings under the Homestead Property Tax Credit to be “transferable” to new homebuyers, if it is their first home in Maryland. This would have dramatically undermined the longstanding purpose of the credit – to ensure stability in tax bills after the time of purchase. House Bill 1445 did not advance out of its committee. Bill Information | MACo Coverage

Push Icons-IMPROVED

MACo supported with amendments a bill require the State Department of Assessments & Taxation (SDAT) to mail
notices every three years to taxpayers who are eligible for the homestead property tax credit but fail to avail themselves of it. House Bill 305 / Senate Bill 158 was amended and passed the General Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signature. Bill Information

MACo successfully supported a bill to allow for the attachment of tax liens in very specialized circumstances where the government leases property for private development, and tax increment financing (TIF) bonds or special taxing districts are used to finance that development. House Bill 1178 / Senate Bill 925 passed the General Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signature. Bill Information

For more information on tax and revenues legislation tracked by MACo during the 2018 legislative session, click here.