Maryland House Bill HB73

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Homestead Property Tax Credit – Calculation of Credit for Dwelling Purchased by First–Time Homebuyer

Impact

The proposal could have significant implications for the state's property tax framework by altering how homestead credits are calculated for new homeowners. It facilitates a potentially more beneficial calculation method for first-time buyers, which can ease financial pressures associated with property taxes during the initial years of homeownership. Furthermore, it underscores a broader effort by the state to promote homeownership among its residents, particularly for those entering the market for the first time.

Summary

House Bill 73 aims to reform the calculation of the homestead property tax credit specifically for first-time homebuyers in Maryland. The bill allows the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore or a county's governing body to permit new homeowners to compute their tax credit based on a newly prescribed method. This adjustment is intended to support the affordability of homeownership for first-time buyers, enabling them to receive a more favorable property tax credit when buying a home.

Contention

Despite its supportive leanings toward first-time homebuyers, the bill may generate discussions regarding its potential effects on local tax revenues. Critics could argue that modifying tax credits for specific groups could undermine fiscal stability for local governments, which rely on property tax collections to fund public services. Therefore, while the intent of HB73 is to bolster homeownership, it may also face scrutiny concerning its fiscal ramifications at the municipal level.