On Tuesday, November 12th, the Prince George’s County Council enacted a bill that will provide property tax breaks to some senior homeowners in the county. CB-007-2024, proposed by District 8 Council Member Edward Burroughs III, revises the county’s existing Senior Property Tax Credit so that any resident over the age of 65 who has been living in the same home, valued at $500,000 or less, for at least 25 years is eligible for a 20% property tax credit. Eligible homeowners would receive the tax credit for up to five years beginning in 2025.
Council Member Burroughs says the goal of his legislation is to ease the financial burden on older residents who may be struggling to afford to stay in the county and allow them to age in place with dignity.
“A few months ago, I heard about a 99-year-old former teacher in my district who could no longer afford her property taxes. She and her family were worried about whether she could keep her home,” Council Member Burroughs said. “It’s our responsibility to support senior citizens who have worked so hard to build this county, and I know this bill will provide some much-needed relief.”
Any seniors who were previously eligible for a tax credit under the prior 10-year requirement will remain eligible for the remaining years of their existing tax credit.
A prior bill passed by Council in 2022 didn’t allow many seniors to take advantage of the Senior Property Tax Credit if they also benefited from the Homestead or Maryland Homeowner’s property tax credits. This new bill ensures that the Senior Property Tax Credit is separate and distinct from other property tax credits.
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