Some Montgomery Homeowners May Need to File a One-time State Homestead Application by May 1 So They Will Not Lose $692 County ‘Income Tax Offset Credit’

A recent Maryland law requires Montgomery County homeowners to have an application on file with the State for a “Homestead Tax Credit” to continue to receive a $692 County “Income Tax Offset Credit” (ITOC) on their annual property tax bills.

Many homeowners have already filled out the one-time application, but those who have not will lose the ITOC.

How can I find out if I need to fill out the one-time application to keep my ITOC?

• Go to the County webpage that shows the link and what screens to look for (it can be confusing so look at the images on that page). Go to www.Montgomerycountymd.gov/finance/ITOC.
• The County webpage has a link to the State page that has the information.
• At the State webpage, there are three steps:
• A screen where to select your county and the search method (choose “street address”).
• A second screen to enter your house number and your street address.
• A third screen with information about your house. Scroll to the bottom and look for “Homestead Application Status.” If it says “Approved” and has a date, you are finished.

What if I go through the above steps and my address does not have “Approved” with a date?

• Fill out an application at https://sdathtc.dat.maryland.gov/ or print a paper application available at the website and mail it in.
• Important note: You cannot fill out the application online without an access code. You may have recently received a letter from the State with the access code, but if you did not, you will need to email sdat.homestead@maryland.gov to get an access code. The subject line of your email should be: “Online Homestead Application Access.” You must include your full name, your county (Montgomery) and your full address. Once you have received the access code, you can fill out the application online.
• A paper application does not need an access code but may take longer to process.