Property tax bills reflect shift from deductions to credits

Title: Property tax bills reflect shift from deductions to credits URL Source: https://www.carrollcountycomet.com/articles/property-tax-bills-reflect-shift-from-deductions-to-credits/ Published Time: 2026-04-22T05:02:05-04:00 Markdown Content: Property owners across Carroll County may notice several changes on their tax bills this year, including a shift in how certain deductions are applied and the addition of new tax credits. According to Carroll County Treasurer Melinda Rossetter, the most notable change affects longtime deductions for seniors and residents who are blind or disabled. “If you’ve qualified for those in the past, they are no longer deductions from assessed value,” Rossetter said, “They’ve been converted into flat tax credits.” Eligible seniors age 65 and older will now receive a $150 credit, while those who qualify for blind or disabled benefits will receive a $125 credit. Unlike deductions, which reduced a property’s taxable value, the new credits are applied after the tax bill is calculated. That distinction matters because deductions previously lowered the assessed value before tax rates were applied, meaning the benefit varied depending on the home’s value and local tax rate. “Now it’s just a flat amount,” Rossetter said. The state also expanded eligibility for the senior credit by increasing income limits to $60,000 for individuals and $70,000 for married couples filing jointly. At the same time, assessed value limits for the deduction have been eliminated, potentially allowing more residents to qualify. In addition to those changes, taxpayers may notice a new Supplemental Homestead Tax Credit on this year’s bills. The credit applies only to homestead properties and reduces the final tax liability by 10 percent, up to a maximum of $300. For example, a homeowner with a $1,000 tax bill would receive a $100 credit, lowering the amount owed to $900. A $3,000 bill would receive the maximum $300 reduction. Rossetter said the credit is applied after all other calculations and eligible credits. “This is something new that people haven’t seen before,” Rossetter said. Despite the changes, Rossetter noted that most local tax rates have remained stable or slightly decreased. However, rising property values continue to be a major factor in higher tax bills. “What’s driving increases is assessed value,” Rossetter said. “Even if the rate stays the same or goes down a little, if your home value went up, your tax bill could still increase.” Assessments are conducted on a rotating cycle, meaning impacts vary by township depending on when properties were last reassessed. Rossetter also encouraged residents to review their bills carefully to ensure they are receiving all eligible deductions, particularly the homestead deduction, which remains in place. “Some people don’t realize they need to file for that,” Rossetter said. “If you live in your home and don’t have a homestead filed elsewhere, you should qualify.” Tax bills were mailed this week and are due May 11, as the typical May 10 deadline falls on a Sunday this year. Residents paying by mail are urged to account for potential postal delays, as payments are processed based on postmark dates. A drop box is available on the southwest corner of the courthouse square for those who prefer to avoid mailing payments. Online payments are also available, though they include a 2.5 percent credit card processing fee.