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Category: Property Tax

Help to Pay Property Tax for Low Income Families

House payment

If you or someone you know is having problem in paying property taxes on their houses in this tough economy, this may help!

The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against the homeowner’s property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person’s gross income. In other words, it sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income.

This plan has been in existence since 1975 when it was known as the “circuit breaker” plan for elderly homeowners. The plan was called circuit breaker because it shut off the property tax bill at a certain point just like an electric circuit breaker shuts off the current when the circuit becomes overloaded. The Maryland General Assembly has improved the plan through the years so that now this program is available to all homeowners regardless of their age, and the credits are given where needed based upon the person’s income. Learn how to start a passive income if you need extra money.

Applications are due Sep 1 based on 2010 household gross income. If instead you end up with low income in 2011, that will reduce your 2012 property taxes (better to file by May 1 so you get credit directly on the bill instead of paying full amount and getting refund later). So unfortunately there is a lag between the time of need and the time of relief, but at least it is better than not having this program.

You can find more information about the program here: http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html

PGPOA Sends referendum Letter To College Park Homes

PGPOA Letter

In a new twist to the politics surrounding the referendum petition, College Park residents have started to receive a letter from the Prince George’s Property Association (PGPOA) yesterday. The letter asks residents to support the petition, which will force the City to put the referendum questions to the upcoming November election if it receives support of 20% of total registered voters.

Here is the full text of the letter.

The initiatives are sponsored by concerned voters in the City of College Park and the Prince George’s Property Owners Association. The Association has secured the services of a professional organization to collect the required signatures to place the initiatives on the next ballot.

The initiatives simply provide the voters the opportunity to vote on the issues.

ONE INITIATIVE FREEZES TAXES AT THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 LEVEL.
It would NOT preclude future tax increases. It merely requires that the City Council obtains voter approval to increase taxes. If the Council cannot justify a tax increase, it would need to live within its current revenues.

THE SECOND INITIATIVE ADDRESSES RENT CONTROL.
Currently, Rent Control only applies to single family homes and small apartment units. This initiative would apply the law to ALL rental units in the City, including the high-rise apartment units. It is a question of fairness and equity, and levels the playing field for all property owners.

RENT CONTROL ON SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, AND NOT ON HIGH-RISE-APARTMENTS, LOWERS PROPERTY VALUES OF SINGLE FAMILY HOMES. Protect the value of your home!

The initiative will not affect the Homestead Tax provisions of county law, and will not impact current rental licensing and inspections and fees on rental properties.

WANT FURTHER INFORMATION? GO TO: www.collegeparkhousing.org CALL: (443) 458-5312
Please remember, signing these initiatives is your democratic right.

BOTTOM LINE: It provides the opportunity for YOU, the voter, to have the final say on these vital issues.

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