Neighbors:
Council Committees took important action on data center development in the County on Wednesday. Here’s the latest:
The Economic Development Committee voted to recommend an 18-month moratorium on data center development in the County. I appreciate the collaboration of my colleagues to find middle ground that will put us on a productive path forward.
Then, the Planning, Housing and Parks Committee reviewed and voted on an amended Data Centers zoning measure (ZTA 26-01) with a sole focus on defining large data centers and prohibiting them throughout the County. The purpose of these two measures is to allow the necessary time for the Council to deliberate on appropriate guardrails for large data centers in the County and do so in collaboration with the state. Regulatory certainty is necessary now so all stakeholders can clearly understand the rules of the road as we work out the comprehensive approach for data centers in Montgomery County.
The full Council will take final votes on the data centers moratorium and zoning measure next Tuesday, July 28.
Your Property Tax Questions, Answered
Many Montgomery County homeowners have reached out to me with questions about their property tax bills. Today I’m sharing information on why your property tax bill may look different this year, and what resources are available to lower costs for you and your family.
Did Montgomery County raise property tax rates this year?
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In this year’s budget process, the Council did not raise property taxes. Instead, we established a progressive income tax structure where 95% of residents receive an income tax break.
Implementing this progressive tax structure required the Council to eliminate the flat-rate Income Tax Offset Credit, also known as the ITOC, which cost the County approximately $140 million a year to operate and was only available to eligible homeowners who applied for it. The ITOC is just one element of what determines a resident’s overall property tax bill.
How is my property value assessed?
The State of Maryland assesses property once every three years. Any increase in property value is taxed, and the increase is phased in over three years.
As the assessed value of your home increases, so does the amount of property taxes — even without a property tax rate increase.
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation looks at some key factors to determine your home’s fair market value including:
- Comparable sales data in your neighborhood;
- Characteristics of your property; and
- Home market trends.
To protect homeowners from dramatic spikes in property tax assessments, the Homestead Tax Credit limits the annual taxable assessment to 10 percent per year. The Homestead Tax Credit continues, as well as several property tax relief programs.
What tax credits are available to Montgomery County homeowners?
There are many tax credits available to Montgomery County residents based on eligibility. These include, but are not limited:
- Homestead Tax Credit
- The Homestead Tax Credit limits the increase in taxable assessment each year to a fixed percentage. Be sure to complete an application for the 2026 Homestead Tax Credit.
- Individuals 65 and Above and Retired Military Services Members Tax Credit
- This is a tax credit for residents who are 65 years of age or older and who are a 40-year homeowner with a dwelling assessment of $700,000 or less or a military retiree or a surviving spouse of a military retiree with a dwelling assessment of $550,000 or less at the time of the application.
- Senior Property Tax Credit
- The Senior Tax Credit is available to homeowners at least 65 years of age for whom the property is their principal residence.
- State Homeowners Property Tax Credit (HOTC)
- The HOTC provides credits against the homeowner’s property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the applicants’ gross income.
Please visit the Montgomery County Department of Finance’s webpage to learn more about tax credit opportunities and eligibility requirements.
If you disagree with the state’s valuation of your property, you should visit the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation website to learn about the appeal process.
I know that homeownership is a large responsibility, but it also plays a critical role in our economy and is the leading source of wealth creation for residents and their families.
If you need assistance in meeting your property tax obligation, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Join the Wheaton Community Conversation
Join me for a community conversation on the future of Wheaton on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mid-County Regional Services Center.
This conversation will bring together the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee (WUDAC), the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB), local businesses and community stakeholders to discuss Wheaton’s future and our shared priorities.
Tuesday, July 28 | 7 p.m. at the Mid-County Regional Services Center (2425 Reedie Dr., 2nd Floor, Wheaton, Md.) Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for light refreshments.
Weekend Lineup:
Wheaton Art Mix on July 25
Join Creative Wheaton for an afternoon of art, music, and community this Saturday! This is a free and family-friendly open mic featuring local artists, performers and community members. Whether you’re taking the stage or simply enjoying the performances, everyone is welcome.
Saturday, July 25 | 4-6 p.m. at Los Chorros Restaurant (2420 Blueridge Ave., Silver Spring, Md.)
Festa Julina Wheaton: A Brazilian Summer Festival
Join EducArte on Sunday to celebrate Brazilian culture at Festa Julina Wheaton, a free, family-friendly festival that brings the sights, sounds and flavors of a traditional Brazilian winter celebration to the heart of Wheaton.
Sunday, July 26 | 12-4 p.m. at Marian Fryer Town Plaza (2424 Reedie Dr., Wheaton, Md.)
Sincerely,
Natali Fani-González
Council President
Read the original article at mccouncil