Tax relief and valuation review
A homestead exemption, senior-relief program, or valuation protest can change the amount a homeowner owes—but only if the filing reaches the right local office in the correct window. Use the verified county guidance below as your working checklist, then confirm the current form and deadline with Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation — Howard County Assessments; Howard County Department of Finance.
Relief programs
The filing guidance for this county is: Homestead application must be on file with SDAT; Howard County states May 1, 2026 for the county Income Tax Offset Credit on bills beginning July 1, 2026; the 2026 Maryland Homeowners' Property Tax Credit deadline is October 1, 2026. Use the official form or application channel, provide the residence and ownership documentation requested, and keep a copy of the submission.
Open homestead applicationHoward County Senior Tax Credit: one owner age 65+ by June 30 of the tax year, principal residence, combined gross household income generally no more than $60,000 and net worth no more than $200,000 excluding the home and qualified retirement assets; credit is 25% of eligible county tax after Homestead Credit. A separate Aging in Place credit is available to qualifying 65+ owners with 30 years in the dwelling.
Howard County limits eligible owner-occupied county taxable-assessment increases to 5%; Maryland's state portion is capped at 10%.
Appealing an assessment
Use the valuation notice and the county’s published protest guidance to determine the last day to file. Do not assume the payment deadline controls the appeal.
Gather comparable sales, photographs, repair records, appraisal evidence, property characteristics, and any documentation that explains why the assessed value is incorrect.
Submit through the official channel, save the confirmation, and attend the board or review hearing if one is scheduled. An appraiser or attorney can help evaluate evidence when the value or stakes are substantial.
The verified protest guidance for this county is: Within 45 days of the date on the Maryland SDAT Notice of Assessment; Howard County directs assessment appeals to SDAT. If the language is not a specific calendar date, contact the office promptly for the current notice and board-review schedule.