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New guidelines for funding new septic systems for eligible homeowners have been approved by the Calvert Board of County Commissioners. The grants are funds which are available for homeowners to replace failing septic systems. In the past, all homeowners in environmentally sensitive areas, the Mill Creek watershed and areas 1,000 feet from tidal wetlands or shorelines received priority consideration. Under the new guidelines, homes that have been assessed at less than $250,000 and/or are occupied throughout the year will now receive priority.
The funds for the grants to Maryland homeowners are received from the Bay Restoration Fund. This year, Calvert County received $1.6 million in funds for the program. Available funds will pay for about 95 new systems. 125 homeowners have applied for a grant.
Failing septic systems cause approximately 25% of the nitrogen pollution in Calvert County’s waterways. In the Mill Creek area, that figure doubles. Nitrogen from failing septic systems can seep into the waterways. This seepage causes algae blooms, which kill off fish and other water dependent life.
The funds for the Bay Restoration Fund are received from the “flush tax”. The “flush tax” was imposed to help programs which protect the Chesapeake Bay and is tributaries. Homeowners on sewer pay a monthly sewer fee. Homeowners with septic systems pay a yearly assessment fee. The “flush tax” monies are collected by the county and given to State of Maryland. The state then distributes the funds to various projects that lower nitrogen discharge. As well as assisting homeowners replacing failing septic systems, monies are also directed to farmers which plant cover crops; the cover crops reduce nutrient runoff into the waterways.
For more information on this and any help with your South Maryland real estate, please feel free to contact me.
Saturday, February 28th is “Maryland Tax Day”. The special “Maryland Tax Day” is not for paying taxes but is an opportunity for low to middle-income Maryland residents to receive free assistance with their federal and state income tax preparation. The IRS, the AARP Foundation and the state of Maryland have partnered together to offer free income tax assistance at 170 locations. February 28th was designated “Maryland Tax Day” so that residents would be able to take advantage of the free service on that Saturday. Specially trained volunteers will provide help with basic tax forms: 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and other standardized forms. These volunteers have been trained so that you will receive all the tax credits and deductions you would receive at a paid tax service. Electronic filing is available.
There are two locations in the Southern Maryland area offering the free Saturday tax preparation service. The Richard Clark Senior Center (1210 Charles Street) in La Plata, St. Charles County, will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Leonardtown Library (23250 Hollywood Road) in Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County, will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free service will be offered through April 15th on weekdays. Times and locations vary, so please check their site for availability. You can receive help from the Tax-Aide service online or by phone as well as visiting any of their physical locations. If the Saturday hours or locations are not convenient for you, please access the Tax Aide website for a complete list of the locations offering the free service.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
For Information call: 1-888-227-7669
Online information: www.aarp.org/taxaide
Search for the nearest location to you: https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator_adv.jsp
If you are a homeowner, you must complete the Homestead Tax Credit application in order to be eligible for the Homestead Tax Credit. If you have filed previously, then you are still eligible for the tax credit and do not need to file again. However, if your primary residence has changed, you are a new property owner or have never filed for the tax credit, then you need to do so.
Completing the application may save you money on your property assessment tax bill. In 2007, the State of Maryland passed the Homestead Tax Credit law. The law places a limit on the amount property taxes may increase each year. The law was designed to help homeowners, so the property must be your principle residence.
If you have not received or filed an application, you can download the form at the Homestead Tax Credit Division webpage. You may also complete the application online. You just need your real property account number and the access number assigned by the Maryland’s Department of Assessments and Taxation
If you have questions regarding your tax assessment or feel that it is incorrect, you can appeal the assessment by contacting your local assessor’s office. You can also file an appeal online at the Online Real Property Assessment Appeal Form webpage. Appeals must be made no later than February 13, 2009.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Tax Bills: (410) 222-1144
Anne Arundel County Citizens Information Center
CALVERT COUNTY
Phone: (410) 535-1600 x 2272
Calvert County Home Page
CHARLES COUNTY
Tax Information: (301) 645-0686
Charles County Home Page
ST. MARY’S COUNTY
Phone: (301) 475-4472
St. Mary’s County Home Page
Southern Maryland real estate
Homes for sale in Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland Realtor® Bonnie Augostino
