Councilmember Ed Burroughs recently introduced CB-009-2025, the Revised Elderly Property Tax Credit. It addresses the need to revise the elderly property tax credit system in Prince George's County, Maryland. If enacted, it would make the credit exclusive and separate from the Homestead and Maryland Homeowner's Property Tax Credit and change the yearly thresholds for eligibility.
Let us review what one needs to know about this bill as it goes through the legislative process.
What would change?
CB-009-2025 would change the eligibility criteria for the property tax credit for elderly individuals residing in the county. Currently, individuals have to be at least 65 years old and have lived in the same dwelling for at least ten years. The bill would extend the eligibility to twenty-five years. However, the maximum assessed value of the dwelling for which eligible residents can apply for the credit remains at $500,000, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever would be lower.
Why is this bill important?
This bill could potentially provide substantial financial relief to elderly homeowners who have lived in their homes for a longer period. Increasing the eligibility threshold and making the credit separate from other tax credits could ensure that elderly residents receive a bigger benefit, which could help them to better manage their property taxes and maintain their homes.
Who does this bill affect?
Of course, this bill would benefit county residents who are at least 65 years old and have lived in the same dwelling for at least twenty-five years. However, it would affect the County's Office of Finance, as they would be responsible for implementing and enforcing the new eligibility criteria and providing annual reports on the property tax credit for elderly individuals.
Where is this bill in the legislative process?
CB-009-2025 was presented during the February 4th Prince George's County Council meeting and referred to the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GOFP) Committee. The committee is chaired by Council Member Ingrid S. Watson, with Council Member Sydney J. Harrison serving as Vice Chair. Other members include Council Members Thomas E. Dernoga, Esq., At-Large Calvin S. Hawkins, II, and Krystal Oriadha.
The GOFP Committee is responsible for reviewing matters related to various county agencies and financial policies. Its oversight includes the Office of Central Services, the Office of Community Relations, the Board of Elections, the Office of Ethics and Accountability, the Office of Finance, the Human Relations Commission, and the Board of License Commissioners. The committee also reviews the Office of Human Resources Management, the Office of Information Technology, the Office of Law, and the Office of Management and Budget. Additionally, it evaluates salary plans and contracts (excluding public safety), budget amendments, tax increment financing (TIF), and payment instead of tax (PILOT) agreements. The committee oversees council rules and provides oversight for boards and commissions such as the Board of Ethics, the Human Relations Commission, the Spending Affordability Committee, the Cable Television Commission, and the Personnel Board.
When will this bill go into effect?
The bill will go into effect forty-five calendar days after it becomes law.
How will it be enforced?
As stated earlier, the Office of Finance will enforce the new eligibility criteria and ensure eligible individuals receive the appropriate property tax credit. The Director of Finance will provide annual reports to the County Council on the property tax credit for elderly individuals, including the number of applications received, denied, and approved, as well as the dollar value of tax credits granted.
You can view the bill's full text here for more detailed information.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact Council Member Burroughs's office at:
Phone: (301) 952-3860
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