General County Real Property Tax:  

This tax is levied on all property in the County and funds, in part, such basic services as education, public safety, public works, and community services.

State Real Property Tax: 

This tax is levied by the State of Maryland, but collected by Howard County and is used for the payment of principal and interest on State bonds.

Fire Tax: 

This tax is collected countywide and supports all fire and emergency response operations.

Trash Fees: 

The annual fee for the collection and disposal of residential trash is $325 for those households receiving trash, recycling and yard services, $310 for those households receiving trash and recycling services only and $39 for those households receiving recycling service only. 

Ad Valorem Charges: 

An ad valorem charge is levied on real property located within the Metropolitan District. Ad valorem charges are primarily used to fund the cost of new construction and/or replacement of the water and sewer system's infrastructure and may be used for operation costs as well. 

Front Foot Charge: 

All owners of properties located on a street, road, lane, alley or right-of-way in which a water or sewer main exists, pay an annual front foot benefit assessment charge. 

State Bay Restoration Fee: 

The Maryland State Government enacted the State Bay Restoration Fund in 2004. Howard County is required to bill users of private septic systems a fee of $15.00 per quarter for a single residential dwelling. For additional information please visit the Maryland Department of the Environment web site at www.mde.state.md.us. 

Watershed Protection Fee:

This fee provides funding for County stormwater projects mandated by the federal government to treat impervious surfaces.  For more information visit CleanWaterHoward.com.