Updated 2/5/15
Baltimore City Resource Guide for
Tax Sale and Tax Foreclosure
Property Tax Bill Information
Baltimore City Department of
Finance
410-396-3987
Abel Wolman Municipal Building
200 Holiday Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
For questions about the status of a property tax bill.
For information about this year’s tax sale you can also visit
www.bidbaltimore.com. (It is free to create a username and password.)
Property Tax Credits
Homestead Tax Credit
For more information and a link to the application visit:
http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/homestead_app.htm
The Homestead Tax Credit gives you a credit on your
taxes if your house assessment increases by more than
4% in one year. Applying for the Homestead Credit
also makes you eligible for other credits like the
Mayor’s Targeted Homeowner’s Tax Credit (The 20
Cents by 2020 Program). You only need to apply
once.
The Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit
To get more information, income guidelines, and the
application, visit:
http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html
Homeowners who are income eligible based on a
sliding scale can get a credit towards their property
taxes. To get this credit you need to fill out an
application every year by September 1. (New
homeowners can apply at any time of the year).
Veterans Property Tax Exemption
http://veterans.maryland.gov/maryland-tax-benefits/
Veterans who are determined 100% disabled by the
VA and the unmarried spouses of military members
who were killed in the line of duty are eligible for a
full property tax exemption.
Partial Tax Exemption for Blind Persons
For more details and an application:
http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/taxcredits.html#htcrtc
Individuals who have permanent impairment of both
eyes as determined by a medical doctor are eligible
for a $15,000 reduction in the assessment of the
property.
Renters Tax Credit
http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/rtc.html
Renters who are income eligible may receive a credit
based on their income and the amount paid in rent.
This program is based on a sliding scale. To get this
credit, you must apply every year by September 1.
Exemption for Home Improvements for Health or
Medical Conditions
http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/medcnec.pdf
An improvement to a property for health or medical
conditions cannot be assessed for tax purposes as long
as it is less than 10% of the value of the property.
Phone: (410) 837-9379
www.probonomd.org
Updated 2/5/15
Utility Bills & Assistance
For incorrect water bills, request an informal
conference from the Department of Public Works.
For water leaks, call 311 to request the City to
check for a leak. Request a credit from the
Department of Public Works.
For trouble getting an informal conference or credit,
call legal resources listed on page 3.
The Senior Citizen’s Water Discount program
provides a 39% discount on water and sewer bills
for seniors 65 and over. Applicants must own the
home or have a lease in their name and have a
household income of $25,000 or less.
Income eligible households that are not on a water
payment plan are eligible for a credit of $161.
Homeowners who receive public assistance, VA
benefits, or social security disability benefits and
are income eligible may be exempt from
stormwater or bay restoration fees. Homeowners
must apply every year.
For information about assistance paying an electric
bill.
For information about housing repairs to help
address high water bills, energy efficiency issues,
or other housing related problems.
Assistance with Public Benefits & Alternative Housing Options
Maryland Access Point
410-396-2273
http://www.marylandaccesspoint.info/
For information about housing options for seniors or
people with disabilities.
211
You can also get information here:
http://humanservices.baltimorecity.gov/HomelessServices/
DocumentsandResources.aspx
For households facing homelessness.
Community Action Centers
http://humanservices.baltimorecity.gov/Community
ActionPartnership/HoursandLocations.aspx
Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
(Information about public benefits and programs).
Southeast Community Action Center: 410-545-6510
Eastern Community Action Center: 410-545-0136
Northwest Community Action Center: 443-984-1384
Southern Community Action Center: 410-545-0900
Northern Community Action Center: 410-396-6084
Updated 2/5/15
Housing Counseling
Neighborhood Housing Services of
Baltimore
410-327-1200 ext. 104
819 Park Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201
For a free housing counselor who can assist Baltimore residents with a
mortgage who are facing tax sale.
NHS has a staff person dedicated to assisting homeowners without
mortgages pay their water and tax bill and assisting them with options
during the months of April- June.
NHS also has a small loan program for eligible clients facing tax sale
who have an ability to repay. Call NHS for more details.
St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center
410-366-8550
321 W. 25
th
Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
For a free housing counselor who can assist Baltimore residents with a
mortgage who are facing tax sale.
Southeast CDC
410-342-3234
3323 Eastern Ave., #200
Baltimore, MD 21224
For a free housing counselor who can assist Baltimore residents with a
mortgage who are facing tax sale.
Legal Resources
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers
Service (MVLS)
443-451-4067
http://www.mvlslaw.org/
For free legal assistance with a tax sale or tax foreclosure matter or
deed/estate issue for income eligible clients. (Also assists clients with
other civil legal issues).
Legal Aid Bureau
800-999-8904
http://www.mdlab.org/
For free legal assistance with a tax sale matter for income eligible
clients. (Also assists clients with other civil legal issues).
St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center
410.366.8550
http://www.stambros.org/
For free legal assistance with a tax sale matter for income eligible
clients. (Clients must reside in Baltimore City or Baltimore, Howard,
Harford or Anne Arundel Counties).
Maryland Attorney General’s Office
Consumer Hotline
410-528-8662
For complaints about reverse mortgage fraud or other types of consumer
fraud.
Public Justice Center
410-625-9409
For free legal assistance to tenants of properties in tax sale foreclosure.