Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 484

Bill Title: Property Tax - Semiannual Payment Schedule - Small Business Property

Bill Sponsor(s): Del. Elliott, et al.

Subject: Budget & Tax

Committee: W&M

Bill Summary: This bill will authorize the owners of commercial real property with an annual property tax bill of less than $50,000 to pay their property tax bills on the semiannual payment schedule currently allowed for owners of owner-occupied residential property, effective 7/1/11.

History: In 2009 HB 428 died without a vote in the Ways & Means Committee. In 2010 HB 484 was enacted as Chapter 680.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: For the past decade, owners or residential, owner-occupied property have had the option to pay their real property taxes in 2 installments. This bill would extend the semiannual payment option to small businesses. At a time that many small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, this bill will help businesses with their cash flow by not having to pay a large property tax bill in one payment.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.