has an average property tax rate of 0.87%, which means that the typical homeowner in the area can expect to pay around $2,358 in property taxes each year. This tax rate is typical for the state, which also averages out to 0.87%.

Property tax revenue is an important source of income for the state and local governments and applies to over 2.3 million properties across Maryland. But not every homeowner will pay the same amount of tax as it can vary based upon the value of your home and the different tax zones in which you live.

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Property tax 101

Property tax is an annual tax assessed to private homes, buildings, and other properties that help pay for government programs and services. Also known as real estate tax, properties that are owned by the government, charities, religious institutions, and educational organizations are usually exempt from this tax by law.

Generally speaking, the revenue from property tax goes to local communities to pay for their annual budgets. In fact, property tax is one of the most common taxes around because it is a great way to only tax those who live in the location that each government has jurisdiction over.

This means that the majority of the property taxes you pay go right back into services you and your neighbors use every day.

MORE: Is car insurance tax deductible?

What is the property tax rate in Baltimore County?

The average property owner in Baltimore County can expect to pay around $2,358 a year, which is a tax rate of 0.87%. This is in line with the rest of the state of Maryland, which also averages 0.87% a year in property tax.

But not everyone pays the same amount of property tax. The county is broken up into different tax zones, like schools systems and fire zones. To help you find out your specific property tax rate, the Department of Assessment and Taxation has created

this tool

which you can search either by street address or parcel number.

How Baltimore County property taxes are determined

The Department of Assessments and Taxations surveys each property once every three years to determine your home’s assessed value (also called fair market value), which is defined as the predicted price at which a willing buyer and willing seller would agree.

This price is based upon both the value of the land and any properties that sit on the land. So if you have upgraded your home since the last assessment (for example, with a new pool), it’s possible the value of your home will go up and you will have to pay more taxes.

Each local assessment office keeps records of the

property worksheet

for each home in their area. This worksheet details how the property was valued and is available to any homeowners by request. If you think there is an error with the assessment, you have 45 days to

appeal

to your local assessor.

Once this property price is determined, you may calculate your annual property tax by multiplying the assessed value of your property by the property tax rate.

The county also administers some property tax relief programs. Two of the most popular are

The Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program

and the

Homestead Act

credit. Contact your local tax office to see if you may be eligible for these or any other property tax discounts.

What do Baltimore County property taxes pay for?

Property taxes collected in Baltimore County pay for many of the public services or programs that citizens use every day. This includes:

Schools and education programs

Police Department

Fire and EMS Departments

Road work and other transportation repairs

Parks and recreation areas

Libraries

Public health and housing services

MORE: How to deduct a car accident from your taxes

How to pay property taxes in Baltimore County

Property tax is due on a semi-annual basis. The first payment is due on July 1 and can be paid without penalty or interest until September 30. The second payment is due December 1 which can be paid without penalty before December 31.

Baltimore County offers several methods for property owners to pay their tax bills. These options are:

Online: The county offers an

online portal

that requires you to have either your parcel ID, account number, or property address, which you will find on your tax bill. You can pay through eCheck, debit, or all major credit cards. Note that some forms of payment may incur fees

By phone: Call the 24-hour, self-service system at 410-887-2403 and follow the prompts. You will need your parcel number, located on your tax bill, to use this service.

By mail: You may pay by check or money order via the mail. Make payments out to Baltimore County, Maryland and send to this address: Taxpayer Services Office, Historic Courthouse, 400 Washington Avenue, Room 150, Towson, Maryland 21204

In-person: The county also offers in-person payments with cash or check. Follow

this link

for directions.

Through your mortgage: Many lending companies offer customers the option to pay their property bills through their home mortgage. Reach out to your mortgage lender for specifics on how their program works.

MORE:

Maryland car loans

How to save money on homeowners and car insurance in Maryland

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When are property taxes due in Baltimore County?

Jackson County property taxes are due in two installments on July 1 and December 1.

Are property taxes high in Baltimore County?

No—property taxes are average in Baltimore County as compared with the rest of the state.

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