Prince George's County task force hears presentation on property-tax bills, credits and tax-sale process

Larissa Brody, representing the Prince George's County Office of Finance, told the Holistic Sustainable Solutions Senior Task Force that "property taxes are based on the assessed value of each property" and explained how tax bills are calculated and what charges may appear on a bill.

Brody summarized the calculation method presented: divide the assessed value by 100, multiply by each agency tax rate on the bill, then add any charges for programs such as clean water, bay restoration, solid waste (trash, recycling, bulk trash) or municipality-specific fees. "If there are any tax credits on there, it will be a section of the bill that has a tax credit below that section," Brody said.

The presenter said there is currently no authorized county payment plan for property taxes. Deadlines explained were: for non-principal residences, payment is due by Sept. 30; for principal residences the first (semiannual) installment is due Sept. 30 and the second by Dec. 31. Brody said homeowners may submit…