Program Description

  Tax Operations

This program is responsible for the timely and accurate collection and processing of all County administered taxes, including property taxes (which are the County's largest revenue source), transfer and recordation taxes (relating to real property transfers and recordation of instruments of writing), and several excise taxes (fuel/energy, telephone, hotel/motel, carryout bags, electronic cigarettes). The program is also responsible for the administration of the County's Working Families Income Supplement program, the Public Advocate for Assessments and Taxation (Public Advocate) program, and numerous tax credit, deferral, and assistance programs. The property tax portion of this program provides the calculation and distribution of tax bills; accounting and distribution of tax collections to the State of Maryland, municipalities, and other entities; collection of delinquent accounts through the tax lien sale process; and communication of and access to tax and account information by attorneys and title companies for preparation of property settlements; and customer service assistance to the public for complex tax-related matters and issues. The transfer and recordation tax portion of this program ensures that all other taxes, fees, and charges associated with the property tax account are paid in full prior to recording of the deed for that property by the State of Maryland. The Public Advocate program provides an independent review of State-determined property assessment valuations for fairness and accuracy and, therefore, protects the public interest by acting on behalf of the taxpayers and the County.