There’s a new tax break for seniors in Prince George’s County that gives up to a 20% discount on property taxes for five years, and you can apply if you’re over 65 and have lived in your home for at least ten years. Just make sure to get your application in by October 1, 2023!

Here are the highlights:

  • The Prince George’s County Elderly Property Tax Credit is accepting applications.
  • The tax credit provides up to a 20% reduction on county property taxes for up to 5 years, effective July 1, 2023.
  • The current property tax rate for Bowie residents is 86 cents per $100 of assessed property value.
  • The credit can be combined with existing tax credits, but may only result in minimal additional savings.
  • Eligibility criteria include being 65 or older, residing at the property for at least 10 years, and having an assessed property value not exceeding $500,000.
  • Applications must be submitted by October 1 of the fiscal year for which the credit is sought.
  • Applications can be mailed to a specified address and must be received by October 1, 2023.
  • An online application portal will be available soon.
  • The tax credit is set to expire in 2028 but may be renewed based on available funds.
  • Residents can contact program administrators with questions via email.

Originally Published on May 16, 2023Last Modified on May 16, 2023

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Reader Feedback: County Elderly Tax Credit

Dorothy writes: "I don't love being called elderly but I'm happy I at least get a tax discount for it."

Dorothy, I hear you. While it's diminutively titled, the Prince George's County Elderly Property Tax Credit is live and accepting applications.

The county tax break for senior homeowners if effective July 1, 2023. It provides up to a 20 percent credit on county property taxes for up to 5 years.

The current county property tax rate for Bowie residents is 86 cents for every 100 dollars of assessed property value.

A major catch is that the 20 percent break combines with any existing tax credits. Residents already benefitting from the Homesteaders Tax Credit, for instance, have noticed that combining the new credit only saves them a few extra dollars. I'd say it's still worth applying, but keep this in mind.

The following criteria needs to be met for the new credit:

  1. Homeowners must be 65 and over
  2. Applicants must reside at property for which credit is sought for at least the previous 10 years
  3. The assessed property value can not exceed $500,000 at the time of application
  4. The application must be made by October 1 of the fiscal year the credit is sought

Applications, found here, can be printed, completed, and mailed to 1301 McCormick Drive, Suite 1100, Largo, MD 20774. Applications must be received by October 1, 2023. The county indicates a processing time of 4 to 6 weeks.

An online portal to submit applications electronically will be available soon, and I will share it as soon as it comes out.

The tax credit is set to expire in 2028, but could be renewed depending on available funds. It will be up to the Prince George's County Council to decided at a future date whether to continue the program.

Residents with questions are encouraged to write the program's administrators at Prop_Tax_Credits@CO.PG.MD.US.