Trying to make sense of your Chevy Chase property tax bill? You are not alone. Between assessments, mill rates, village levies, and credits, it can feel complex. This guide breaks it down so you can estimate your taxes, plan your budget, and know which offices handle what. Let’s dive in.
Maryland property tax roles in Chevy Chase
SDAT sets your assessed value
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) determines the assessed value used to calculate your property tax. This is the starting point for every bill. You can verify your address, parcel details, and assessment history using the SDAT Real Property Search.
Montgomery County sets rates and bills
Montgomery County sets the county tax rate each year and issues bills. The county rate typically includes components for county services and public schools. For billing questions, due dates, and rates, start with the Montgomery County Department of Finance’s property taxes page.
Chevy Chase villages may add a municipal levy
Some Chevy Chase properties fall within an incorporated municipality, such as Chevy Chase Village or the Town of Chevy Chase. If your home is inside a village or town, a separate municipal tax may be added to your county bill. SDAT records and county property search tools will indicate if a municipal levy applies.
Assessments: what they are and how to check
Finding your assessed value
Your assessed value is SDAT’s estimate of market value for tax purposes. Look it up on the SDAT Real Property Search. You will see ownership, legal description, land and building data, and the assessment history. For condos, confirm the record is for your specific unit.
Market value vs. taxable assessed value
The assessed value is meant to reflect market value, but your taxable assessment can be limited by credits and caps. For example, the Homestead Tax Credit can restrict how much of an increase is taxed in a given year on an owner-occupied principal residence. That means your bill may not rise as fast as your assessed value during a sharp market uptick.
When and how to appeal
If comparable sales suggest your property is overassessed, or if SDAT has incorrect details about your home, you can request a review and, if needed, file a formal appeal. Follow the deadlines and instructions on your assessment notice. Include recent comparable sales, listing history, and documentation of any errors, such as square footage or unit boundaries. SDAT posts procedures and deadlines on its site, and your notice will list the exact due dates.
Rates and mill rates: how your bill is calculated
The formula in plain English
Property tax is calculated by multiplying your assessed value by the total tax rate. Rates are often shown in mills or as dollars per $100 of value.
- If shown in mills: Tax = (Assessed value ÷ 1,000) × total mills.
- If shown as dollars per $100: Tax = (Assessed value ÷ 100) × rate per $100.
What makes up the total rate
Your total rate can include:
- County general and school components
- Municipal village or town levy, if applicable
- Special district levies, if any
Note that utilities like water and sewer are separate from property taxes.
Hypothetical Chevy Chase examples
These examples are for illustration only. Always confirm current adopted rates for the fiscal year.
Single-family home example
- Assessed value: $800,000
- Combined county and local rate: 10.50 mills (equals $10.50 per $1,000)
- Estimated tax: 800 × $10.50 = $8,400 per year
Condo example
- Assessed value: $450,000
- Combined rate: 10.50 mills
- Estimated tax: 450 × $10.50 = $4,725 per year
Example with a municipal village levy
- Add a hypothetical municipal rate of $0.50 per $100 (equals 5.00 mills) to the county rate
- Total rate: 10.50 + 5.00 = 15.50 mills
- Estimated tax: (Assessed value ÷ 1,000) × 15.50
Where to confirm current rates
The County Council adopts tax rates each year during the budget process, and the fiscal year typically begins July 1. Check Montgomery County’s official property taxes page for the latest county rates and billing information. If your home is in a village or town, verify any municipal rates on the Chevy Chase Village or Town of Chevy Chase websites.
Homestead credit and other relief
Homestead Tax Credit basics
The Maryland Homestead Tax Credit helps limit year-over-year increases in the taxable assessment for your principal residence. You must occupy the home as your primary residence and file a one-time application with SDAT. Learn more and find the application on SDAT’s Homestead Tax Credit page.
How the homestead credit can help
Imagine your assessed value rises from $800,000 to $880,000 in one cycle. Without homestead, the full increase could factor into your tax calculation. With homestead, only a portion of that increase is used for local tax in the current year, which can soften the jump in your bill. The exact benefit depends on program limits and the timing of reassessments.
Other credits and deferrals
- Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit (income based). This can offset taxes if they exceed a set percentage of household income.
- Senior, disabled, or veteran programs. Maryland and Montgomery County offer targeted tax relief; eligibility rules vary.
- Deferrals. Some programs allow qualifying owners to postpone payment until sale or transfer.
Review eligibility and application steps on the county’s property taxes page, and follow SDAT guidance for state-administered credits.
Billing timeline and budgeting tips
Key dates and cycles
- SDAT updates assessments and makes values available each year.
- The County Council adopts tax rates in the spring for the fiscal year starting July 1.
- Montgomery County issues bills and sets payment deadlines, often with annual or semiannual options. Always verify the current year’s tax calendar on the county’s property taxes page.
Assessment notices will list your appeal deadline. Tax bills outline due dates, installment options, and any late penalties.
What to budget for when buying in Chevy Chase
- Recurring annual costs: property taxes, HOA or condo fees if applicable, homeowners insurance, utilities, and routine maintenance.
- One-time closing costs: state and county recordation and transfer taxes, title and lender fees. These are separate from annual property taxes but are common buyer expenses.
- Contingency: consider a 5 to 10 percent buffer for potential rate changes or reassessments.
Estimate your Chevy Chase property tax in 6 steps
- Look up your assessed value on the SDAT Real Property Search.
- Confirm if the property lies inside a municipality or special district using SDAT records or county tools.
- Find the latest county rate on the Montgomery County property taxes page and any municipal rate on your village or town website.
- Calculate: if rates are in mills, use Tax = (Assessed value ÷ 1,000) × total mills. If rates are in dollars per $100, use Tax = (Assessed value ÷ 100) × rate per $100.
- For condos, verify the assessment is for your unit and review HOA documents for any special assessments that affect your budget.
- Check whether the Homestead Tax Credit has been filed and whether other credits may apply. If not filed, estimate without the credit and note the potential savings once approved.
Get local help
A clear tax plan helps you buy with confidence and avoid surprises after closing. If you want help reviewing assessments, estimating taxes for a specific address, or understanding how village levies and credits could affect your monthly payment, our team is here to advise you. Schedule a friendly, data-backed consultation with Leslie Shafer to walk through your options and next steps.
FAQs
How often does SDAT reassess properties in Maryland?
- SDAT updates assessments on an ongoing annual cycle; check your assessment notice and the SDAT site for your property’s schedule and appeal deadlines.
Do Chevy Chase condos pay taxes differently than houses?
- Condo units are assessed and taxed individually, and condo fees are separate from property taxes; the calculation method is the same.
Will my property taxes change after I buy a home in Chevy Chase?
- They can change due to reassessments or new rates adopted by the County Council and any applicable municipality; budget a small buffer for changes.
How can I tell if my property is inside a Chevy Chase village with a municipal tax?
- Check your SDAT record for municipal details and confirm rates on the Chevy Chase Village or Town of Chevy Chase websites.
How do I apply for the Maryland Homestead Tax Credit?
- File the one-time application on SDAT’s Homestead Tax Credit page and follow the instructions for your principal residence.
Who handles billing questions vs. assessment questions?
- SDAT handles assessments and appeals, while Montgomery County’s Department of Finance handles bills, payment options, and due dates on its property taxes page.
