Harford Council aims to expand tax credits for veterans' spouses as deadline for 2020's credit approaches

Mar. 3--With the deadline approaching for veteran and elderly residents of Harford County to apply for a 20% property tax credit, the Harford County Council is taking steps to expand the credit to veterans' spouses who are 65 years or older as part of a bill introduced to the seven-member board.

Applications for the credit are open until April 1. Councilman Chad Shrodes said the bill may not pass by the deadline, but eligible military spouses should apply anyway because they would be covered later if the bill passes.

If passed, the bill would grant a five-year, 20% tax credit on county property taxes to military spouses who are 65 or older and own a home assessed at $400,000 or less. That same tax benefit already applies to current and former members of the armed forces, county residents who are at least 65 years old and have lived in the same home for 40 years, and some military spouses, according to the bill.

The bill, county treasurer Robert Sandlass said, was passed down from the state, which created the legislation. From Maryland's government, that legislation was brought before counties, who can choose to adopt or reject it, but only the state legislature can change it.

The bill would expand the coverage of veteran's spouses', Sandlass explained, by removing the age requirement for those who served. Last year, the county had to deny four applications because the applicant's spouse did not reach 65 before he or she died.

"Before it was based upon the vet needing to be 65 or older, but now we are saying that the spouse needs to be 65 or older," Sandlass said. "I am kind of glad they cleared it up."

Council president Patrick Vincenti sponsored the bill at County Executive Barry Glassman's behest.

Shrodes, representing the northern reaches of the county, said the credit shows appreciation to veterans living in the county and helps elderly residents who may be living on fixed incomes. The bill, he explained, is keeping current with Maryland's laws, and the credit can help residents save up to approximately $500 on their annual taxes.

"That is significant when you are an older person and you are not making what you once were," Shrodes said. "It is nice to thank those that have served our country, but also those who have stayed here."

Those looking to qualify for the credit can submit applications to the county's treasury department in-person or via mail. The application, while a simple questionnaire, also requires supporting documents from the military, or the front page of a home's deed. For that reason, Shrodes said it was important to get started early to avoid missing the application window.

The credit endures for five years with a streamlined reapplication every year, Sandlass said. After the five years, a recipient cannot reapply for the benefit under the current law.

In the current year, 3,567 of those tax credits were awarded in the county, according to a fiscal analysis of the bill. That spread credits worth approximately $1.72 million around the county.

County spokeswoman Cindy Mumby said that only veterans who directly retire from the military can claim this credit if they fit the other criteria. Veterans who leave the military and seek other employment will not be eligible.

Shrodes said the response on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, though some people did not know about the credit. He said it was likely to pass the council, and should move forward after a public hearing on the bill March 17.

"I believe that we are a military friendly council and we want to show some way to say thanks for your service, for defending our freedoms and risking your lives," Shrodes said.

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