Montgomery County, MD

This tax is levied by the State of Maryland for the payment of principal and interest on State bonds.

The General County tax is levied on all property in the County and funds, in part, such basic services as police protection, elementary and secondary education, the community college, transportation, health and social services, and libraries. There are additional County taxes that are levied either Countywide or in specially defined areas of the County to fund projects and programs. The following taxes are Countywide (all taxpayers pay these taxes): the Transit Tax, which funds public transportation services including the Ride On bus system, the Fire District Tax, which funds fire and rescue services, and the Advance Land Acquisition Tax, which funds land acquisitions by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Seven additional taxes are levied only in specially defined areas: the Metropolitan Tax funds M-NCPPC local park facilities and parks programs and the Regional Tax funds M-NCPPC planning and administrative programs; five additional taxes fund recreation facilities and programs, storm drainage improvements, parking lot districts, urban districts, and noise abatement districts. Whether a taxpayer pays one of these special area taxes depends on where the property is located. To determine which Special Area taxes apply, please refer to the Tax Rate Schedule

The State of Maryland levies a fee on all properties in support of a dedicated Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) used to improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. Since most property owners receive water and/or sewer service from their utility company, the majority of taxpayers pay this charge on their utility bill. Those who have a septic system and do not receive water service from a public utility are levied the fee on their property tax bill. For more information on the BRF, visit the Maryland Department of the Environment at www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Water/BayRestorationFund/Pages/index.aspx or call 410-537-3110 or 410-537-3382. A financial hardship exemption for eligible homeowners is available. If you are levied the BRF on your tax bill and wish to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria, please visit us at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Finance/Resources/Files/BayRestorationForm.pdf or call 311.

This charge funds many of the County’s clean water initiatives mandated by the State including projects to restore eroded stream banks, upgrade stormwater ponds, control litter, clean storm drains, and install rain barrels, rain gardens and green roofs. A hardship exemption is available for homeowners and 501(c) (3) organizations, while property owners with stormwater controls may be eligible for a reduction. For more information, visit the Department of Environmental Protection at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/water/wqpc/index.html or call 311.

All ratepayers are billed directly for County supported solid waste and recycling services, facilities and programs. The solid waste charge is made up of components which vary based on the services provided. For non-residential property owners, the charge is based on the gross floor area and/or generator category, and for multi-family dwelling owners it is based on the number of units on file. For more information, visit the Department of Environmental Protection at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep or call 311.

Note: County has waived penalties and interest during the Maryland declared Covid-19 emergency. P&I amounts have been adjusted accordingly.