The Charles County Commissioners recently enacted legislation that will supplement the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (MDAT) Homeowners Property Tax Credit Program for Charles County homeowner-occupied residences. The County's new program, which becomes effective August 4, 2005, will provide real property tax credits for homeowners with gross household incomes of $50,000 or less and residential property assessed at $300,000 or less. The current maximums for the MDAT program tax credits are assessed property valued at $150,000 or less and combined gross household incomes of approximately $30,000 or less.
"Homeowners must file an application each year with MDAT to determine their eligibility for the programs. The credit is not automatic on property tax bills for eligible homeowners," said Richard Winkler, Director of the Charles County Department of Fiscal Services.
In order to be considered for a property tax credit on July property tax bills, homeowners must file Form HTC-60 (for 2005), along with proof of income sources, with MDAT by September 1, 2005. Homeowners will either receive a tax credit to be used toward payment of their tax bill or for a refund if the bill has already been paid, or a written explanation of their ineligibility.
"Depending upon household income levels, the property tax savings can be several hundreds of dollars," Mr. Winkler said.
Application forms and instructions are available at the Charles County office of the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, 101A Catalpa Drive, Suite 101A, in La Plata, or the Treasurer's Office in the Charles County Government Building.
Homeowner Property Tax Credit Applications are also included each year with Maryland Income Tax Forms. Eligible homeowners who file a properly completed application with MDAT by May 1 of each year may have the credit reflected on their July tax bills.
For more information about the program or to obtain assistance with filing an application, call the Department of Fiscal Services at 301-645-0570 or the MDAT office in Charles County at 301-932-2440 or go to the MDAT web site at http://www.dat.state.md.us.