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.