Each year on July 1, Baltimore City and Baltimore County issue annual property tax bills to homeowners. If the property is your primary owner-occupied residence, you can pay in two semi-annual installments instead of a lump sum. This can offer some relief in terms of timing, but for many homeowners, even splitting the bill doesn’t make it easier to manage.
Suppose you’re concerned about making your payment, especially as the December 31 deadline for the second installment approaches. In that case, this guide will walk you through the key dates, consequences of missed payments, and what options exist if you simply can’t afford it this year.
How Semi-Annual Billing Works for Baltimore Homeowners
Semi-annual billing is available only for owner-occupied primary residences. It allows you to divide your annual tax bill into two equal payments:
- First Installment: Billed and due on July 1, with a grace period through September 30. After October 1, the balance is considered delinquent and begins accruing interest and penalties.
- Second Installment: Billed on December 1, due by December 31. After January 1, it becomes past due, and a service charge, along with daily interest, is applied.
This structure is meant to provide flexibility for homeowners, but it still requires careful planning, especially during the holiday season when budgets are tight.
What Happens If You Miss a Property Tax Payment?
Missing your property tax installment (particularly the second payment due at the end of December) can lead to more than just late fees.
Interest begins accruing immediately after the due date, and a service charge is applied. Over time, this balance can grow significantly. If left unpaid for too long, the property may be certified for tax sale, meaning it could eventually be auctioned off by the city or county to recover the debt.
Many homeowners don’t realize how quickly tax debt can escalate. And once it does, it’s no longer just a financial burden; it becomes a legal one.
Why Some Homeowners Fall Behind
It’s not always about poor planning or negligence. Life happens. A missed paycheck, sudden relocation, medical expenses, divorce, or the inheritance of a home with ongoing costs; any of these can put someone behind on property taxes.
What You Can Do If You Can’t Afford the Second Installment
If you’re looking at your December tax bill and realizing you won’t be able to cover it, it’s better to act now than wait until penalties begin piling up in January.
One solution, especially if the home has become too much to maintain, is to consider selling the property.
Dominion Properties works directly with Baltimore homeowners who are in financial distress or facing rising property taxes. We purchase homes in as-is condition, offer fair cash prices, and close on your timeline. For some, it’s a way to exit a tough situation before legal or financial pressure escalates.
Planning Ahead
The property tax calendar in Baltimore doesn’t change, but your situation can.
If the second installment due on December 31 isn’t manageable this year, don’t wait until it becomes a larger issue. Understanding your options now can save you time, stress, and money later.
To speak with someone who understands both the financial and emotional side of this process, contact Dominion Properties. There’s no pressure. Just honest answers and a path forward.