21286 Property Tax Rate

Property owners in ZIP code 21286 (Towson, Maryland) pay a median of $3,911/year in property taxes on homes valued at $402,000. This translates to an effective tax rate of 0.97%, which is near the Maryland state average of 0.96%.

The monthly property tax burden for a median-valued home in 21286 is approximately $326, which factors into escrow payments on mortgages. This ZIP code is located within Baltimore County.

Compared to similar ZIP codes in Maryland, 21286 has lower property taxes. ZIP codes with similar effective rates include 20896 (0.97%) and 21643 (0.97%).

In Towson, property taxes represent approximately 4.2% of the median household income of $93,093, providing context for the relative tax burden on homeowners in this area.

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 Baltimore County's tax office. The credit applies automatically to qualifying primary residences but requires proper registration; contact the Baltimore 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).