
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts
When using a TIF to incentivize a project, the county delineates a project area and declares a “base” year. The base-year’s assessed valuation for the area is taxed as before. However, the tax revenues from any incrementally higher assessed value above the base that is attributable to the new project will be remitted to a special fund and used to pay debt services for identified improvements.
TIF Districts
The uses of TIF financing by Maryland’s local governments is usually restricted by state law. However, a recent change in state legislation broadened the permitted uses of TIFs, so that the county was able to pre-designate certain areas as pre-qualified and eligible for the use of TIFs for development projects. These areas are the “TIF Districts,” and projects within them have increased certainty that they will be approved for a TIF bond, though they will still need to negotiate exact terms with the county.
For more information, contact the Economic Development Corporation at 301-583-4650 and ask to speak with a Business Development Specialist.