With unanimous support, and amid a chamber full of first responders, the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners passed a law granting a property tax credit for volunteer firefighters Tuesday, June 11.
Ordinance 19-11, introduced by County Commissioner Jack Wilson, provides “a tax credit against county property tax on certain real property owned by volunteer fire department members in Queen Anne’s County, establishing eligibility requirements for such tax credits and the amount, terms and conditions of the credit.”
The tax credit may be granted in an amount of up to $2,500 per dwelling, but not to exceed the amount of the tax on the property, with a five-year phase-in period. In tax years beginning July 1, 2019 and July 1, 2020, the tax credit is not to exceed $1,500.
In tax years beginning July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022, the tax credit is not to exceed $2,000. Finally, in tax years beginning July 1, 2023 and beyond, the tax credit is not to exceed $2,500.