Annual Tax Bills
Annual bills are mailed each July, with a six-month new construction billing each January. A discount of 0.5% of the County tax is allowed for payments made in the month of July. The tax bill becomes delinquent on October 1st and is subject to interest at the rate of 1% per month until paid.
Semi-Annual Payment Option
If your property is your principal residence, state legislation allows the payment of property tax bills on a semi-annual basis. State legislation also allows semi-annual payments for businesses with taxes not exceeding $100,000. The first installment becomes delinquent on October 1st. The second semi-annual payment is due December 1. Interest begins January 1.
County Tax Rate
The current County tax rate is $0.845 per $100 of assessed value.
State Tax Rate
Worcester County collects the Real Property Tax for the State of Maryland on properties located in Worcester County. The current State of Maryland tax rate is $0.112 per $100 of assessed value.
Town Tax Rate
Worcester County collects the Real Property Tax for the towns of Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, and Ocean City. The current Berlin town tax rate is $0.8275 per $100 of assessed value. The current Snow Hill town tax rate is $0.9375 per $100 of assessed value. The Pocomoke town tax rate is $0.9375 per $100 of assessed value for owner occupied property and $1.1311 per $100 of assessed value for all other properties. The tax rate for Ocean City is $0.4526 per $100 of assessed value.
Tax Payments
Tax payments may be made in cash or by check made payable to Worcester County. Payments may be made at the Office of the Treasurer or mailed to Worcester County, P.O. Box 248, Snow Hill, MD 21863. To pay by credit card CLICK HERE. A convenience fee is charged by our vendor, ACI Payments Inc.
Reminder to ALL taxpayers; postmark is not accepted as the payment date. The tax payment must be received in the Treasurers Office by the last day of the month.
Unpaid Taxes
Properties are subject to sale for delinquent taxes that remain unpaid. An annual tax sale is conducted each year to collect delinquent taxes.
Failure to receive a bill does not excuse the payment of taxes, interest or penalties.
Homeowner's Tax Credit
Homeowners, regardless of age, may be entitled to a credit against their tax on the dwelling which is their principal residence. The amount of the credit is determined by the household income and the taxes levied on the home. A homeowner must apply for the credit each year, no later than October 1. You may obtain an APPLICATION or additional information by calling 1-800-944-7403.
Homestead Tax Credit
A credit is granted to owner occupied residential properties for annual assessment increases over a certain percentage. If eligible, the bill reflects this credit.
Disabled Veteran Exemption
There is a complete exemption from real property taxes on the dwelling owned by veterans or their surviving spouses where there is a service connected disability which is 100% disabling and permanent in character. For further information call the local Assessment Office at 410-632-1196.