What is the Maryland
Renters’ Tax Credit Program?
The Maryland Renter’s Tax Credit Program provides financial assistance to help low-income tenants with their rent. Although the program has been around for decades, few people eligible for the Maryland Renter’s Tax Credit even know it exists!
The Renters’ Tax Credit Program provides property tax credits for renters who meet certain requirements. The plan was modeled after and designed to be similar in principle to the Homeowners’ Tax Credit Program, which is known to many as the Circuit Breaker Program. The concept rests on the reasoning that renters indirectly pay property taxes as part of their rent and thus should have some protection, as do homeowners.
It’s a program for low-income renters to help account for the sky-rocketing cost of rent in Maryland.
The program provides financial assistance in the form of a direct check payment of up to $1,000 per year for tenants to use towards their rent.
Application timeline: February 15, 2023 – October 1, 2023
Paper applications are available for download once applications become available.
Processing timeline: 30 – 90 days
When applications become available:
Request an appointment by calling 443-961-6220 or email Leo Arreaza, leo@econaction.org
Deadline to apply: October 1, 2023
Do I Qualify?
This program is for low-income renters whose total assets do not exceed $200,000, and where the property is the main residence of the applicant.
You might qualify if…
You are over 60-years-old.
If you are age 60 or over, use the chart below to determine if it is worthwhile for you to file an application. Find your approximate 2022 total gross household income in Column A-Total Income If your monthly rent is more than the figure in Column B-Monthly Rent across from your income, you may be eligible and are encouraged to apply.
| Total Income | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| $1-$10,000 | $117 |
| $20,000 | $423 |
| $33,000 | $800 |
| $43,000 | $1,100 |
| $53,000 | $1,400 |
| $62,000 | $1,700 |
| $73,000 | $2,000 |
You are permanently disabled.
If you are 100% disabled, use the chart below to determine if it is worthwhile for you to file an application.
See chart for those over 60 years old
You are younger than 60-years-old and…
During 2022, had at least one dependent under the age of 18 living with you AND You did not receive federal or state housing subsidies or reside in public housing AND The combined household income of all residents of your dwelling is below the following guidelines, you are encouraged to apply.
| Persons in Household (Include Applicant) | 2021 Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $17,420 |
| 3 | $21,296 |
| 4 | $26,500 |
| 5 | $31,040 |
| 6 | $35,580 |
| 7 | $40,120 |
| 8 | $44,660 |
| 9 | $49,200 |
Questions about the Tax Credit? Here are 3 ways to get answers.
1. Refer to the official Renters’ Tax Credit page
2. Call the State Department of Assessments and Taxation at 410.767.4433
3. Contact us here.
What if I don’t qualify?
If you aren’t eligible, remember that your friends, families, or neighbors might be! Please share the information and help us make sure everyone who qualifies takes the credit and stay up to date with the latest updates on our social media accounts.
How much can I save?
Answer the questions below to calculate how much money you might save by applying for the tax credit.
This calculator provides an estimate, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation will confirm the amount of your credit after processing your application.
