20687 Property Tax Rate

Property owners in ZIP code 20687 (Scotland, Maryland) pay a median of $5,817/year in property taxes on homes valued at $771,600. This translates to an effective tax rate of 0.75%, which is 22% below the Maryland state average of 0.96%.

The monthly property tax burden for a median-valued home in 20687 is approximately $485, which factors into escrow payments on mortgages. This ZIP code is located within St. Mary's County. This is $1,843 more than the Maryland average of $3,974/year.

Compared to similar ZIP codes in Maryland, 20687 has higher property taxes. ZIP codes with similar effective rates include 21733 (0.76%) and 21780 (0.75%).

Maryland's Homestead Tax Credit caps annual assessment increases at 10% for your primary residence, though your initial purchase-year assessment is unrestricted — file for the credit with St. Mary's County's tax office. The credit applies automatically to qualifying primary residences but requires proper registration; contact the St. Mary's County Assessor to ensure your homestead classification is recorded within 45 days of purchase. Request a copy of your Notice of Assessment and confirm your assessment ratio is correct (owner-occupied property should be assessed on market value).