She discussed that during her public information briefing on Thurs.
Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County has a number of tax credit programs for its citizens, but some may not know about them. County Executive Jan Gardner discussed that on Thursday during her public information briefing, hoping more people will learn about these programs.
One is the Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit administered by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. “The Homeowners Property Tax Credit is available to homeowners of all ages. Many young families are struggling to pay their bills, and this tax credit may be helpful to them,” says Gardner.
In order to qualify, a resident must live in their home at least six months out of the year, have a combined household income of less than $60,000, and a net worth of $200,000, not including the value of the house of any retirement savings.
Gardner said those who took part in the program last year reaped some benefits. “Last year, there were more than 3400 homeowners in Frederick County who took advantage of the credit, and they had a tax savings of nearly $3.5-million. So that’s some real money,” she says.
The application is available on line at http://dat.maryland.gov, or you can stop by the Frederick Office of the State Department of Assessment and Taxation at 5310 Spectrum Drive, Suite E. The hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The telephone number is 301-815-5350. The deadline to apply is September 3rd, and citizens need to re-apply each year.
There’s also the Frederick County Senior Tax Credit. Residents who want to apply should be at least 65 years of age, and have a household income of $80,000 or less. That home must be the applicant’s residence for at least six-months out of the year. That person must also have a net worth of less than $300,000, excluding the value of the house and any qualified retirement savings.
In her public information briefing, Gardner said it would be worthwhile for seniors to participate. “Last year, Frederick County seniors saved about $758,000 of their property taxes, thanks to the county’s senior tax credit,” she said. “There are more than 2500 that applied last year.”
Gardner says to apply for the Senior Tax Credit, residents must fill out the State of Maryland’s Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit application. The state will automatically determine if the applicants qualify for the county’s tax credit for seniors.
For more information, contact the County’s Division of Senior Services at 301-600-1234.
Gardner also points out there’s a tax credit for renters. :”So if you are over age 60, or are 100% disabled, you may be eligible to receive a tax of up to $1,000, again as a renter,” she says. You can also quality at any age if you’re a renter with a dependent under the age of 18.
For more information on tax credits, contact the County’s Treasury Department at 301-600-1111.
By Kevin McManus