Maryland Task Force Will Review Local Property Tax Authority
A state task force is evaluating if local governments should gain more power to adjust property taxes amid rising housing costs.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Residential
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Should your local government have more power to raise property taxes in your area?
A Maryland task force is currently evaluating whether local governments should receive expanded authority to adjust property tax rates. These recommendations, which could impact future tax burdens for residents, are scheduled for submission to the governor in November 2026.
Why it matters
High housing costs have made the state market inaccessible for many, with 51% of moderate-income Maryland residents currently unable to afford homes in their area. This review aims to address these affordability challenges by examining the taxing tools available to local jurisdictions.
A 2024 poll revealed that 51% of moderate-income Maryland residents cannot afford the local housing market. Meanwhile, 30% of voters aged 18-34 and 28% of voters aged 35-49 have weighed moving out of state due to these costs.
The players
Maryland General Assembly
The state legislative body that holds the final authority over changes to local taxing power and fiscal policy.
Maryland Realtors
A professional trade association that monitors housing market trends and advocate for state real estate policies.
The details
While Maryland counties currently have the power to raise property taxes, the state determines the specific formulas used to calculate these rates. The task force is reviewing this framework to determine if modifications are necessary to improve housing affordability. Any actual changes to local taxing authority require subsequent approval from the Maryland General Assembly.
Timeline
2024: The Maryland Realtors conducted a poll on housing costs and resident mobility.
November 2026: The task force will hold its final meeting and submit recommendations to the governor.
Money Landscape
This review of the Maryland property tax calculation formula follows a pattern of states reassessing local fiscal authority in response to housing affordability crises. It sits within a broader cycle of evaluating how state-mandated tax rules influence the cost of living for residents.
This task force review may eventually lead to shifts in how your local property tax rate is calculated or managed by your county government. Because these changes are under development, you should monitor updates from your local representative regarding potential impacts on your housing costs.
The takeaway
The state's evaluation of local taxing authority highlights the ongoing pressure housing costs place on household budgets across Maryland. Consider reviewing your current property tax assessment and keeping an eye on the November 2026 recommendations as the process moves forward.
Further reading
For more on the state's housing environment, see our coverage of Residential.
Live Poll
Should your local government have more power to raise property taxes in your area?
