Buying or selling in Baltimore, Maryland? Before a client falls in love with a property, they’ll need to know about the Baltimore city property tax rate. Unfortunately, too many people don’t consider property taxes when looking for a new home.
Preparing your clients with the right information is a way to gain trust and build a great reputation (meaning more referrals for you). Hoping to learn more about Baltimore’s property tax? Get the information you need here.
Living in Baltimore, MD
Baltimore is the most populous city in Maryland, with over 565,000 people. It has 279 unique and different neighborhoods and a rich history.
With over 60 museums and tourist spots, including Edgar Allen Poe’s grave and Babe Ruth’s birthplace, and home to the Baltimore Ravens and the Orioles, there’s something for everyone in Charm City!
Baltimore’s average annual salary is $72,288, with plenty of job opportunities, especially in the medical and bioscience industries. Baltimore is also home to Johns Hopkins University and several other major medical hospitals and research centers.
The cost of living in Baltimore City is 1% more than the national average, but 11% higher than the state average. The median house price is $230,000, up 11.5% from 2022.
Property tax rates in Baltimore for 2025
Baltimore’s property tax rate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is 2.248% or $2.248 per $100 of assessed real property—the highest in Maryland. This is because many homeowners have to take on additional expenses not covered by unoccupied, vacant buildings.
In addition to the city’s property tax, Maryland has a state property tax rate of $0.112 per $100, making Baltimore’s total property tax rate 2.36%.
Will property tax rates rise?
The State Board of Public Works voted to maintain current property tax rates in Baltimore for the upcoming fiscal year, making an increase in these specific rates unlikely. However, Baltimore City has reported higher property assessments. Even with stable tax rates, homeowners whose properties are now valued higher will probably see an increase in their property tax bills.
It’s also important to note that changes to state taxes or special district tax rates could still affect the total property tax rate homeowners pay. Furthermore, the rising property values across Baltimore contribute to higher overall property tax costs for homeowners.
In response to this situation, several activist groups and initiatives are aiming to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers by advocating for a lower city property tax rate. However, these efforts have not yet resulted in any petitions reaching voter ballots.
Tax rates in surrounding areas
Baltimore has a very high property tax rate compared to other cities in the state. Thankfully, Maryland is fairly small, meaning you can live close to Baltimore without actually living in the city.
If you want to live close to Baltimore without paying the price, consider a few other cities and towns. We’ve listed some below, with all rates, including any additional county tax rates and the state tax rate of 0.1120:
- Annapolis: 1.4370%
- Cumberland: 1.9963%
- Elkton: 1.7400%
- Highland Beach: 1.4650%
- Oakland: 1.6400%
What does property tax revenue fund in Baltimore?
Property tax collected in Baltimore funds many public services, including:
- Fire and police protection
- Schools
- Parks
- Transportation (CityLink, LocalLink, Charm City Circulator, etc.)
- Libraries
- Street maintenance
- Community centers
Important information to know when moving to Baltimore, MD
Moving to Baltimore? It’s important to know a few important tax dates and details.
Maryland has the 11th highest tax burden in the United States, making it fairly expensive to live there. Make sure you can budget for every potential expense before making any big moves.
The State of Maryland also charges a 6% sales tax on regular purchases and 9% on alcoholic beverages.
The first due date for property taxes in Baltimore County is July 1st, but payments can be made until September 30th without interest or penalties.
The second is December 1st. You can still pay by December 31st to avoid penalties and interest. Late payments are subject to tax sales and liens on their property.
Additionally, if you pay your property taxes by July 31st, the city reduces your bill by 0.5%, which is huge in a city where property taxes are soaring.
Even if you can’t make your property tax payment early, Baltimore offers many options for property tax exemptions, including ones for veterans, artists, and business owners. Knowing what your clients may qualify for as a real estate professional is essential, especially if they are first-time homeowners!
Highlight your Baltimore listings with stunning photos
You know that informed clients are confident clients. Just as you equip them with essential property tax information, high-quality visuals are crucial for capturing their initial interest. Stunning photography is key to making a strong first impression. It’s what draws buyers in and motivates them to see a property in person.
Want to make your Baltimore listings truly stand out? Virtuance provides professional real estate photography and marketing tools to help you showcase properties beautifully and effectively. Schedule a session with Virtuance today and make your listings shine!
FAQ
The property tax rate in Baltimore City for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is 2.248%.
Yes, Baltimore City has a relatively high property tax rate compared to nearby Maryland cities and towns.
Property taxes in Baltimore support essential public services like schools, police, and transportation.
While the official rates are stable, increasing property assessments may lead to higher tax bills for some homeowners.
Yes, Baltimore City offers a 0.5% discount for property tax payments made by July 31st.