Counties Support Expanding Access to Property Tax Relief

On February 28, 2023, MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 898 – Property Tax – Renters’ Property Tax Relief and Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Programs – Eligibility and Credit Amount.

This bill expands eligibility for specified property tax relief programs by increasing income thresholds used to determine eligibility for the property tax credits. The bill also requires the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation to evaluate and recommend inflation-driven adjustments to the income eligibility requirements for the credits.

From the MACo Testimony:

MACo strongly prefers that homeowners receive all counseling, education, information, and support which may be available to them and additional assistance when appropriate, to help them pay on time and avoid going through tax sale. By making modest adjustments to eligibility criteria for the Homeowners’ and Renters’ Property Tax Credit Programs, this bill could help more Marylanders remain in their homes.