Property tax payment plan program launches in Baltimore

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As part of Baltimore City’s newly launched Residential Property Tax Payment Plan Program, many residential property owners could have a flexible alternative to catch up on past-due real property taxes through monthly payments, Mayor Brandon Scott‘s office announced Tuesday.

The program is accepting enrollments through May 12. The plan was set into effect through Scott’s signing of City Council Bill 26-0152, sponsored by Councilwoman Odette Ramos and passed by the City Council this month. 

According to the mayor’s office, the program marks the first time in city history that residential property owners are able to address past-due property taxes through a payment plan – an effort city leaders expect will eliminate a barrier for tens of thousands of Baltimore residential property owners. 

“Overdue property tax bills should never be the reason that any Baltimorean — especially a legacy resident — loses their home,” Scott said in a statement.

“Before now, residents didn’t have a realistic way to catch up on these bills and stay in their homes. This program changes that. I encourage every eligible residential property owner to enroll in a plan by May 12.”

Additionally, the Property Tax Payment Plan Program allows eligible homeowners to choose monthly payments suited to their budget, starting with as little as $25 down; address past-due real property taxes from 2025 and earlier; and remain in good standing and receive protection from the 2026 tax sale. 

The city is partnering with Promise, a payment plan provider with technology that has been extended to accommodate real property taxes, “giving homeowners a straightforward way to enroll and manage their payments online,” Scott’s office said.

“Too many Baltimore residents have faced tax sale, not because they don’t want to pay their property taxes, but because they haven’t had flexible, realistic options,” Ramos said.

“With this legislation now passed and signed by Mayor Scott, we are creating a clear, accessible path for residential property owners to get back on track, avoid tax sale, and stay in their homes.” 

Despite the promising features of the new program, interest on past-due balances continues to accrue until the plan is paid in full and the final interest payment, the mayor’s office noted.