<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<baltimore-city-law heading="Title 05 – Department of Finance">
  <container prefix="Subtitle" num="02" heading="Property Tax Credit Regulations">
    <container prefix="Chapter" num="07" heading="High-Performance Newly Constructed Dwellings">
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Scope.">
        <para num="A.">These regulations address the High-Performance Newly Constructed Dwellings Tax Credit.</para>
        <para num="B.">These regulations describe:<para num="(1)">The application process for obtaining the tax credit,</para>
          <para num="(2)">The criteria for qualifying for the tax credit,</para>
          <para num="(3)">The application process for obtaining a certification of the dwelling as a highperformance newly constructed dwelling,</para>
          <para num="(4)">The criteria for maintaining eligibility for the tax credit,</para>
          <para num="(5)">How the tax credit is applied, whether it is transferable and when the tax credit program will terminate, and</para>
          <para num="(6)">The effect of other tax credits on how the High-Performance Newly Constructed Dwelling Tax Credit is applied to a dwelling.</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions.">
        <para num="A.">In &lt;cite data-path="05.01.07"&gt;this chapter&lt;/cite&gt;, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</para>
        <para num="B.">Terms Defined.<para num="(1)">“Closing Documentation” means any form from the settlement of the sale of real estate that contains the address of the property transferred, the parties to the transfer, and the date of the transfer.</para>
          <para num="(2)">“Credit” means the tax credit described in these regulations for highperformance newly constructed dwellings.</para>
          <para num="(3)">“DHCD” means the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.</para>
          <para num="(4)">“Finance” means the Baltimore City Department of Finance.</para>
          <para num="(5)">“HERS” means the Home Energy Rating System.</para>
          <para num="(6)">“High performance” has the meaning stated in MD &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9242"&gt;Tax-Property Article, §9242(a)&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
          <para num="(7)">“LEED” means the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.</para>
          <para num="(8)">“Newly constructed dwelling” has the meaning stated in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;, §10-18.1(a)(3).</para>
          <para num="(9)">“NGBS” means the National Green Building Standard.</para>
          <para num="(10)">“Owner” has the meaning stated in MD &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9-304"&gt;Tax-Property Article, §9-304(d)&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
          <para num="(11)">“System” means the Department of Finance’s Online Tax Credit Application System.</para>
          <para num="(12)">“Vacant dwelling” has the meaning stated in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;, §10-18.1(a)(5).</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Description of the Credit.">
        <para num="A.">The credit is against the property tax imposed on a high-performance newly constructed dwelling that is owned by a qualifying owner.</para>
        <para num="B.">The credit<para num="(1)">Begins at 50 percent of the tax imposed on the qualifying property in the first full tax year in which the property qualifies and</para>
          <para num="(2)">Decreases by 10 percent in each of the four following years.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="C.">The property no longer qualifies for the credit<para num="(1)">Beginning in the sixth full tax year after the property initially qualifies; or</para>
          <para num="(2)">If continuing eligibility requirements are not met.</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Eligibility Criteria.">
        <para num="A.">To be eligible for the credit a property owner shall meet the following criteria:<para num="(1)">Purchase and occupy as the property owner’s principal residence a highperformance newly constructed dwelling;</para>
          <para num="(2)">Receive a high-performance certification from DHCD;</para>
          <para num="(3)">File a state income tax return as a resident of Baltimore City for each taxable year for which the credit is sought;</para>
          <para num="(4)">The property owner may not be receiving the credit previously authorized under &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§10-5"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 10-5&lt;/cite&gt;; and</para>
          <para num="(5)">The property owner shall timely submit a completed application in accordance with the specifications in § .05.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="B.">To be eligible for the credit a property shall:<para num="(1)">Be one of the following:<para num="(a)">A newly constructed dwelling, or</para>
            <para num="(b)">A vacant dwelling;</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">Be located within the City of Baltimore;</para>
          <para num="(3)">Be purchased by the owner-occupant following completion of the dwelling, or be constructed on land that was purchased by the owner-occupant prior to construction of the dwelling;</para>
          <para num="(4)">Receive an occupancy permit following the construction or conversion; and</para>
          <para num="(5)">Meet the standards set forth in the Maryland &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9-242"&gt;Tax-Property Article, § 9-242(a)&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="C.">A property that meets the eligibility criteria and has an approved application becomes eligible for the credit with the first full-year tax bill issued after the latest of<para num="(1)">The high-performance certification date,</para>
          <para num="(2)">The date on which the use and occupancy permit was issued,</para>
          <para num="(3)">The first assessment notice of the newly constructed dwelling, or</para>
          <para num="(4)">The date of settlement.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="D.">The following items must be received by Finance prior to the approval of the property’s application:<para num="(1)">An application for the tax credit that is both:<para num="(a)">Complete, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">Submitted in a timely manner;</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">A final occupancy permit for the completed dwelling; and</para>
          <para num="(3)">A certification of the property as a high-performance newly constructed dwelling by the DHCD.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="E.">A credit may not be issued until the property is certified by DHCD as a highperformance newly constructed dwelling.</para>
        <para num="F.">DHCD shall issue a certification that, to the extent possible, provides a certification date that reflects the date on which the property became a HighPerformance building.</para>
        <para num="G.">In the event DHCD denies certification, DHCD will provide a letter identifying the reason for the denial.</para>
        <para num="H.">Prior to the issuance of a credit, the property owner is liable for all taxes due.</para>
        <para num="I.">Properties remain eligible for the credit for a period of five consecutive tax years.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Applications.">
        <para num="A.">An applicant who has purchased a newly constructed dwelling shall submit a completed application within 90 days after settlement.</para>
        <para num="B.">An applicant who has constructed a dwelling on land purchased prior to the construction of the dwelling, shall<para num="(1)">Submit a completed application within 90 days of the issuance of a final occupancy permit for the dwelling, and</para>
          <para num="(2)">Include complete documentation of the construction cost of the new dwelling.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="C.">An application shall be submitted electronically via the system.<para num="(1)">This system can be accessed via the internet at the following url:

          &lt;u&gt;https://propertytaxcredits.baltimorecity.gov&lt;/u&gt;
        </para>
          <para num="(2)">An applicant shall create a user account to gain access to the application system.</para>
          <para num="(3)">The user account may be used to apply for this and other tax credits for the property.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="D.">An application or required documentation may not be submitted in paper form.</para>
        <para num="E.">The City of Baltimore shall not be responsible for<para num="(1)">Connectivity issues experienced by the applicant, or</para>
          <para num="(2)">Issues beyond the control of the City of Baltimore’s Department of Finance.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="F.">For tax credit applications DHCD shall certify the property as a high-performance newly constructed dwelling.<para num="(1)">For a timely submitted application, the Department of Finance shall provide the relevant details of the subject property to DHCD for certification of the property.</para>
          <para num="(2)">For a newly-constructed dwelling built on vacant land DHCD shall review the plans to determine whether the dwelling was constructed according to the high-performance elements of the Baltimore City Residential Building Code.</para>
          <para num="(3)">Dwellings constructed prior to 2015 or that were substantially renovated without obtaining a new construction plan number and plan approval from the DHCD permit center shall qualify for the credit by completing one of the following:<para num="(a)">Obtain LEED rating for the property of Silver or higher.</para>
            <para num="(b)">Obtain a certification from NGBS (ICC 700) rating the property Silver or higher.</para>
            <para num="(c)">Obtain a rating from a certified energy rater for the HERS Index of 80 or lower and must achieve an increase in energy efficiency of at least 20 percent.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(4)">Failure to file certification documentation required under .05(F)(3) with Finance within 30 days of receipt shall result in rejection of the application and the applicant may not reapply.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="G.">All final applications for the High-Performance Newly Constructed Dwellings Tax Credit shall be accompanied by:<para num="(1)">A copy of the final occupancy permit issued for the property after construction or rehabilitation was completed,</para>
          <para num="(2)">A copy of any building permit issued during the construction or rehabilitation of the property,</para>
          <para num="(3)">A copy of the closing documentation issued to the purchaser at the time of settlement on the new dwelling or the land on which it was built, and</para>
          <para num="(4)">Other required documents available at the time of application.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="H.">If an occupancy permit is not issued to the property prior to settlement, the property owner shall<para num="(1)">Submit a letter with the application stating that no occupancy permit was issued prior to settlement, and</para>
          <para num="(2)">Email a copy of the occupancy permit to &lt;u&gt;tax.credits@baltimorecity.gov&lt;/u&gt; when it is received.</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Transferability.">
        <text>The High-Performance Newly Constructed Dwellings Tax Credit is not transferrable to subsequent owners of the property.</text>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Continuing Eligibility.">
        <para num="A.">The property owner shall ensure that, during the credit period the property for which the credit was granted meets the following criteria:<para num="(1)">Is in full compliance with the building, fire, and related codes of Baltimore City;</para>
          <para num="(2)">Maintains its high-performance rating; and</para>
          <para num="(3)">Is the applicant’s principal residence.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="B.">For each taxable year for which the credit is sought, an applicant shall file a state income tax return as a resident of Baltimore City.</para>
        <para num="C.">If a property no longer meets the continuing eligibility requirements, the credit will be removed from the property’s account and may not be reinstated until the issue has been remedied.</para>
        <para num="D.">The eligibility term of the credit is 5 consecutive tax years, beginning with the first full tax year in which the property qualifies for the tax credit.</para>
        <para num="E.">Ineligibility for the credit during one or more of the five years in the eligibility term will not extend the five-year term of the tax credit.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Effect of Other Tax Credits.">
        <para num="A.">A property receiving a tax credit under &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§10-5"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 10-5&lt;/cite&gt; is not eligible for the High-Performance Newly Constructed Dwellings Tax Credit.</para>
        <para num="B.">The calculation of this credit shall be made prior to the application of any tax credit awarded under the Maryland &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9-229"&gt;State Tax-Property Article, § 9-229&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
        <para num="C.">The calculation of this credit shall be made after<para num="(1)">The application of any credit awarded to the property under Maryland Tax Property Article §§ 9-104 and 9-105; and</para>
          <para num="(2)">Any other real property tax credit other than the credit specified in .08(B).</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Termination of Program.">
        <text>An owner whose settlement on the purchase of a high-performance newly constructed dwelling occurs after June 30, 2027 may not apply for this credit.</text>
      </section>
    </container>
    <container prefix="Chapter" num="13" heading="Energy Conservation Devices">
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Scope.">
        <text>&lt;cite data-doc="COBRA Register Volume 04, Issue 02" data-path="05.01.13"&gt;This chapter&lt;/cite&gt; establishes rules and regulations related to the Energy Conservation Devices Tax Credit, including:</text>
        <para num="A.">Application processes for obtaining the tax credit;</para>
        <para num="B.">Criteria for qualifying for the tax credit;</para>
        <para num="C.">How the tax credit may be applied to the City Real Property Tax on a dwelling;</para>
        <para num="D.">Transferability of the tax credit;</para>
        <para num="E.">Criteria for maintaining eligibility for the tax credit; and</para>
        <para num="F.">The effect of other tax credits on how the Energy Conservation Devices Tax Credit is applied to a dwelling.</para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions.">
        <para num="A.">In &lt;cite data-doc="COBRA Register Volume 04, Issue 02" data-path="05.01.13"&gt;this chapter&lt;/cite&gt;, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</para>
        <para num="B.">Terms Defined.<para num="(1)">“Application system” means the Department’s online tax credit application system.</para>
          <para num="(2)">“The Department” means the Baltimore City Department of Finance.</para>
          <para num="(3)">“Dwelling” has the meaning stated in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§10-31|(a)|(2)"&gt;Baltimore City Code Article 28, § 10-31(a)(2)&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
          <para num="(4)">“Eligible costs” has the meaning stated in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§10-31|(a)|(3)"&gt;Baltimore City Code Article 28, § 10-31(a)(3)&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
          <para num="(5)">“Energy conservation device” means the following, as defined in these regulations:<para num="(a)">A solar energy device; or</para>
            <para num="(b)">A geothermal energy device.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(6)">“Geothermal energy device” has the meaning stated in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§10-31|(a)|(4)"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 10-31(a)(4)&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
          <para num="(7)">“Homeowner” has the meaning stated in Maryland &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9-105"&gt;Tax-Property Article,  § 9-105 &lt;/cite&gt;(a)(7).</para>
          <para num="(8)">“Solar energy device” has the meaning stated in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;,  § 10-31(a)(7).</para>
          <para num="(9)">“Tax credit” means the Energy Conservation Devices tax credit described in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§10-31"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 10-31&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
        </para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Description of the Tax Credit.">
        <para num="A.">In General.
In accordance with &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§10-31"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 10-31&lt;/cite&gt;, the Department shall grant the tax credit against the City property tax imposed on a dwelling to which a solar energy device or geothermal energy device is:<para num="(1)">Installed; and</para>
          <para num="(2)">In use.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="B.">Amount.<para num="(1)">The Department shall ensure the amount of the tax credit is the lesser of:<para num="(a)">Fifty percent of an eligible cost up to a maximum of $5,000; or</para>
            <para num="(b)">Fifty percent of an eligible cost up to a maximum of $1,500, if the energy conservation device is installed exclusively to provide hot water for use in the dwelling.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">The Department shall ensure the amount of the tax credit applied in a tax year does not exceed the property tax imposed on the dwelling in that tax year.</para>
        </para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Application of the Tax Credit.">
        <para num="A.">The Department shall ensure the eligibility term of the tax credit is one tax year.</para>
        <para num="B.">The Department may not issue the tax credit until the tax credit application is approved.</para>
        <para num="C.">A homeowner shall be liable for applicable taxes due prior to receiving the tax credit.</para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Eligibility Criteria.">
        <para num="A.">Homeowner Eligibility.
A homeowner shall be eligible for the tax credit if the homeowner:<para num="(1)">Obtains an energy conservation device through:<para num="(a)">Purchase; or</para>
            <para num="(b)">Lease.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">Files a Maryland state income tax return as a resident of Baltimore City for the taxable year for which the tax credit is sought; and</para>
          <para num="(3)">Submits a timely and complete application in accordance with &lt;cite data-doc="COBRA Register Volume 04, Issue 02" data-path="05.01.13.07"&gt;Regulation .07 of this chapter&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="B.">Dwelling Eligibility.<para num="(1)">To be eligible for the tax credit, a homeowner shall ensure a dwelling is:<para num="(a)">Located within the City of Baltimore; and</para>
            <para num="(b)">The homeowner’s principal residence.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">The Department may deem a dwelling for which an application has been approved eligible for the tax credit starting with the first full-year tax bill issued after the date of the submission of a complete application.</para>
        </para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Qualification of Incurred Cost.">
        <para num="A.">A cost associated with installing an energy conservation device is incurred on the date that the cost became due.</para>
        <para num="B.">An applicant shall present documents showing that the cost was associated with installation of the energy conservation device and the date of installation.</para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Application.">
        <para num="A.">To apply for the tax credit, a homeowner shall:<para num="(1)">Submit a complete application electronically via the application system located on the Department’s website within 12 months of incurring the eligible cost; and</para>
          <para num="(2)">Include copies of the following with their application:<para num="(a)">Documentation showing the date of the acquisition and the date of the installation of the energy conservation device including a:<para num="(i)">Receipt;</para>
              <para num="(ii)">Paid invoice;</para>
              <para num="(iii)">Canceled check; or</para>
              <para num="(iv)">Lease agreement;</para>
            </para>
            <para num="(b)">A notarized affidavit stating that:<para num="(i)">The property is the homeowner’s principal residence;</para>
              <para num="(ii)">The property is expected to be occupied by the homeowner for more than six months of a 12-month period beginning with the date of finality for the tax year for which the credit is sought; and</para>
              <para num="(iii)">The costs submitted by the homeowner are related to the installation of the energy conservation device;</para>
            </para>
            <para num="(c)">A picture of the installed energy conservation device, including device labels.</para>
          </para>
        </para>
        <para num="B.">The homeowner shall be responsible for ensuring a working internet connection for the duration of application submission.</para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Transferability.">
        <para num="A.">If a property is sold, the Department shall automatically transfer the credit to a subsequent homeowner, if the transfer occurs within the one-year credit eligibility period.</para>
        <para num="B.">The subsequent homeowner shall ensure that the requirements of &lt;cite data-doc="COBRA Register Volume 04, Issue 02" data-path="05.01.13.09"&gt;Regulation .09&lt;/cite&gt; are met for a transferred credit.</para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Continuing Eligibility.">
        <para num="A.">To remain eligible for the tax credit throughout the one-year period for which the credit is granted, the homeowner shall ensure:<para num="(1)">The property continues to be the homeowner’s principal residence; and</para>
          <para num="(2)">The energy conservation device remains in use.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="B.">If a property does not meet the continuing eligibility requirements, the Department shall remove the tax credit from the property’s account.</para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".10" heading="Effect of Other Tax Credits.">
        <para num="A.">The Department shall make the calculation of the tax credit prior to the application of another tax credit awarded to the property under the Maryland State Tax-Property Article, §§ &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9-221"&gt;9-221&lt;/cite&gt; and &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9-229"&gt;9-229&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
        <para num="B.">The Department shall calculate this tax credit after:<para num="(1)">The application of a tax credit awarded to the property under Maryland Tax-Property Article §§ &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9-104"&gt;9-104&lt;/cite&gt; and &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtp|9-105"&gt;9-105&lt;/cite&gt;; and</para>
          <para num="(2)">A real property tax credit other than the tax credits specified in &lt;cite data-doc="COBRA Register Volume 04, Issue 02" data-path="05.01.13.10|A."&gt;Regulation .10(A)&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
        </para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".11" heading="Limitations.">
        <para num="A.">When combined with other tax credits, the Department shall ensure the tax credit does not exceed the amount of City real property tax liability on the dwelling in that tax year.</para>
        <para num="B.">The Department may not award more than one tax credit authorized under Art. 28, §10-31 to a single dwelling.</para>
        <annotation type="History" />
      </section>
    </container>
  </container>
  <container prefix="Subtitle" num="18" heading="Tax Sale Exemption Program">
    <container prefix="Chapter" num="01" heading="General Provisions">
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Adoption, Applicability, and Scope of Regulations.">
        <para num="A.">Adoption.
The Baltimore City Department of Finance (“DOF”) adopts these rules and regulations under &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;, §8-5.</para>
        <para num="B.">Applicability.
These rules and regulations are in addition to all applicable laws found in the &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;, other applicable sections of the City Code, and the Annotated Code of Maryland.</para>
        <para num="C.">Scope of Regulations.<para num="(1)">Effective July 1, 2021, certain homeowners are eligible to apply during a two-month period beginning February 15 of that fiscal year to have their properties withheld from the annual tax sale list.</para>
          <para num="(2)">&lt;cite data-path="05.18.01.01"&gt;This section&lt;/cite&gt; applies to the sale of a dwelling with an assessed value of $250,000 or less.</para>
          <para num="(3)">The aggregate tax and lien liability of all properties withheld from the annual tax sale list may not exceed $2 million in any tax year.</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions.">
        <para num="A.">In &lt;cite data-path="05.18.01"&gt;this chapter&lt;/cite&gt;, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</para>
        <para num="B.">Terms Defined.<para num="(1)">“Dwelling” has the meaning stated in State Tax-Property-Article § 9-105(a)(5).</para>
          <para num="(2)">“Finance” means the Baltimore City Department of Finance.</para>
          <para num="(3)">“HCD” means the Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Development.</para>
          <para num="(4)">“Homeowner” has the meaning stated in State Tax-Property-Article §9-105(a)(7).</para>
          <para num="(5)">“Program” means the Tax Sale Exemption Program.</para>
          <para num="(6)">“Tax” has the meaning stated in State Tax-Property-Article § 14-801(d).</para>
          <para num="(7)">“Withheld”<para num="(a)">means that dwellings will be removed from the list of properties eligible for tax sale, but</para>
            <para num="(b)">does not mean that the outstanding tax and lien liabilities for the dwelling have been abated.</para>
          </para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Eligibility Criteria.">
        <para num="A.">Homeowners are eligible for participation in the Tax Sale Exemption Program if<para num="(1)">they meet certain criteria and</para>
          <para num="(2)">there are available funds to cover the tax and lien liability for the dwelling.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="B.">A homeowner is eligible for participation in the Tax Sale Exemption Program if<para num="(1)">the homeowner has resided in the dwelling for at least 15 years; and</para>
          <para num="(2)">has either<para num="(a)">a total annual household income of less than $36,000;</para>
            <para num="(b)">is at least 65 years old and has annual earned income of $75,000 or less; or</para>
            <para num="(c)">is an adult who is<para num="(i)">currently receiving disability benefits from the Federal Social Security Disability Insurance program or the Supplemental Security Income program, and</para>
              <para num="(ii)">has annual earned income of $75,000 or less.</para>
            </para>
          </para>
        </para>
        <para num="C.">Determination of eligibility.<para num="(1)">The determination of whether a homeowner meets the eligibility requirements outlined in &lt;cite data-path="05.18.01.03"&gt;this section&lt;/cite&gt; is based on<para num="(a)">the application documentation provided, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">a database verification process.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">The tax and lien liability for the homeowner’s dwelling shall not cause the aggregate tax and lien liability of all withheld dwellings to exceed $2 million.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="D.">Terms of exemption.<para num="(1)">A homeowner shall apply on an annual basis to have their dwelling withheld from tax sale.</para>
          <para num="(2)">Participation in the program does not signify approval for future years.</para>
          <para num="(3)">Participation in the program does not result in the abatement of any outstanding tax and lien liability of exempted dwellings.</para>
          <para num="(4)">Program participants are responsible for making payments on any outstanding tax and lien liability.</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Application Requirements.">
        <para num="A.">Application deadlines.<para num="(1)">Application deadlines will be set annually and advertised on the Finance and HCD    websites.</para>
          <para num="(2)">Application deadlines are<para num="(a)">binding upon all applicants, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">shall not be altered for an individual applicant.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(3)">Failure to meet a deadline shall result in the application being rejected.</para>
          <para num="(4)">By submitting an exemption application<para num="(a)">an applicant acknowledges these requirements, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">agrees to be bound by the deadlines.</para>
          </para>
        </para>
        <para num="B.">Application submission.<para num="(1)">Applications shall be submitted to the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (“HCD”) either:<para num="(a)">electronically at &lt;strong&gt;https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/baltimoremd/participant&lt;/strong&gt;;</para>
            <para num="(b)">by mail to Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, Tax Sale Exemption Program, 417 E Fayette Street, 11&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201;</para>
            <para num="(c)">in person at 417 E Fayette Street, 11&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; floor; or</para>
            <para num="(d)">by email to dhcd.taxsaleinfo@baltimorecity.gov, subject line: Tax Sale Exemption Application.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">The City of Baltimore is not<para num="(a)">responsible for any connectivity or application submission issues experienced by the applicant, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">will not grant an extension of any deadline due to issues beyond the control of the Department of Housing and Community Development.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(3)">Complete applications shall include copies of the following documentation:<para num="(a)">a copy of a photo ID for the applicant issued by<para num="(i)">the United States government;</para>
              <para num="(ii)">the State of Maryland; or</para>
              <para num="(iii)">the City of Baltimore;</para>
            </para>
            <para num="(b)">any two of the following documents showing the current address of the applicant:<para num="(i)">utility bills;</para>
              <para num="(ii)">photo ID issued by the United States government, State of Maryland, or City of Baltimore; or</para>
              <para num="(iii)">Social Security (SSA, SSDI, SSI) award letters.; and</para>
            </para>
            <para num="(c)">a complete Income Information form which includes:<para num="(i)">the total number of people in the household;</para>
              <para num="(ii)">number of adults, school-aged and non-school-aged children;</para>
              <para num="(iii)">total gross household income; and</para>
              <para num="(iv)">proof of household income.</para>
            </para>
            <para num="(d)">Proof of household income may include:<para num="(i)">two pay stubs from current employer, within last two months of employment;</para>
              <para num="(ii)">Social Security (SSA, SSDI, SSI) award letters;</para>
              <para num="(iii)">pension statements;</para>
              <para num="(iv)">Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statements or award letters; or</para>
              <para num="(v)">other documentation that confirms the income provided in the Income Information form.</para>
            </para>
          </para>
          <para num="(4)">The online and paper form of the application shall list documents accepted to validate eligibility for this program.</para>
          <para num="(5)">The Tax Sale Ombudsman shall provide information and answer applicant questions about<para num="(a)">the application process, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">required supporting documentation.</para>
          </para>
        </para>
        <para num="C.">Application review.<para num="(1)">Hard copy applications received by mail or personal delivery shall be date and time stamped upon receipt by the Department of Housing and Community Development.</para>
          <para num="(2)">Date and time stamped hard copy applications shall be entered in the Neighborly project management database by HCD personnel.</para>
          <para num="(3)">Applications received by HCD shall be reviewed for completeness and eligibility.</para>
          <para num="(4)">Applications shall be deemed complete if the application includes all required documentation and all required application fields are completed.</para>
          <para num="(5)">Applications shall be deemed eligible if<para num="(a)">all eligibility criteria are met, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">all required documentation has been verified.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(6)">The Department of Finance shall be notified of applications deemed eligible upon review.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="D.">Incomplete applications.<para num="(1)">Applications shall be deemed incomplete when the homeowner<para num="(a)">does not fully complete the application,</para>
            <para num="(b)">does not provide required documentation, or</para>
            <para num="(c)">completed fields in the application are not legible.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">For incomplete applications, HCD shall contact the applicant<para num="(a)">using the contact information provided on the application</para>
            <para num="(b)">to request additional information or clarification.</para>
          </para>
        </para>
        <para num="E.">Eligibility review.<para num="(1)">Applications shall be deemed ineligible if the homeowner does not meet the eligibility criteria based on<para num="(a)">documentation provided, or</para>
            <para num="(b)">the application and documentation verification process.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">The Department of Housing and Community Development shall notify the applicant using the contact information provided on the application.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="F.">Fund availability.<para num="(1)">For all eligible applications, the Department of Finance shall assess<para num="(a)">the amount of tax and lien liability on the applicant dwelling, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">the aggregate tax and lien liability for the Program at the time of receiving the application.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(2)">If the amount of tax and lien liability on the applicant dwelling causes the aggregate tax and lien liability of the Program to exceed $2 million, the Department of Finance shall<para num="(a)">reject the application, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">assess successive applications until it identifies an application with outstanding tax and lien liability that will not exceed the Program’s aggregate tax and lien liability limit.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(3)">When the remaining Program funding available is below $750<para num="(a)">the application process shall be closed and</para>
            <para num="(b)">no additional applications shall be approved.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(4)">The Department of Finance shall notify HCD of approved applications based on fund availability.</para>
          <para num="(5)">The Department of Housing and Community Development shall notify the applicant using the contact information provided on the application.</para>
          <para num="(6)">The Department of Finance shall deny an application if<para num="(a)">the property is not on the tax sale list, or</para>
            <para num="(b)">if the lien amount is greater than the remaining available funds.</para>
          </para>
          <para num="(7)">If the Department of Finance denies an application,<para num="(a)">it shall notify HCD as to why the application was denied, and</para>
            <para num="(b)">the Department of Housing and Community Development shall notify the applicant using the contact information provided on the application.</para>
          </para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Fraudulent Applications.">
        <para num="A.">If an applicant is found to have provided false information the application shall be deemed to be fraudulent.</para>
        <para num="B.">If an application is deemed fraudulent and the tax sale has not yet occurred<para num="(1)">the exemption shall be revoked and</para>
          <para num="(2)">the property shall be placed back onto the tax sale list.</para>
        </para>
        <para num="C.">If an application is deemed fraudulent and the tax sale has occurred the City shall pursue available legal action.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Notice.">
        <para num="A.">The Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Finance shall issue notice to the public about this Program.</para>
        <para num="B.">Schedule of notice.<para num="(1)">The Department of Finance’s Bureau of Revenue Collection shall issue a notice as part of the Mayor’s Message in the July 1 property tax bills.</para>
          <para num="(2)">The City’s Tax Sale Ombudsman shall issue a notice to dwellings that are owneroccupied, have an assessed value of $250,000 or less, and have delinquent property tax accounts in January.</para>
          <para num="(3)">The Department of Finance’s Bureau of Revenue Collection shall issue a notice to dwellings receiving a Final Bill and Legal Notice in February.</para>
        </para>
      </section>
    </container>
  </container>
  <container prefix="Subtitle" num="19" heading="Checkout Bag Surcharge">
    <container prefix="Chapter" num="01" heading="General Provisions">
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Authority.">
        <text>These rules and regulations are promulgated by the Department of Finance pursuant to &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;, Subtitle 32.</text>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions.">
        <text>In &lt;cite data-path="05.19.01"&gt;this chapter&lt;/cite&gt;, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text>
        <para num="1.">“Bag surcharge” means the $0.01 of the $0.05 collected by a Retailer and remitted to the City for each bag provided to customers pursuant to &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§32-4"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 32-4&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
        <para num="2.">“Checkout bag” has the meaning stated in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§32-1"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 32-1&lt;/cite&gt;.</para>
        <para num="3.">“Plastic checkout bag” has the meaning stated in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|7"&gt;City Code Article 7&lt;/cite&gt;, §62-1.</para>
        <para num="4.">“Retailer” has the meaning stated for “Dealer” in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|7"&gt;City Code Article 7&lt;/cite&gt;, §62-1.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Plastic Checkout Bags Prohibited.">
        <para num="A.">Effective January 1, 2022, subject to exceptions defined in &lt;cite data-path="05.19.01.03"&gt;this regulation&lt;/cite&gt;, retailers are prohibited from supplying customers with plastic checkout bags to carry or hold purchased items.</para>
        <para num="B.">Only paper or compostable bags may be provided by a retailer to customers in the City of Baltimore.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Exceptions.">
        <text>&lt;cite data-path="05.19.01.04"&gt;This regulation&lt;/cite&gt; does not apply to:</text>
        <para num="1.">checkout bags that meet the definition of “plastic checkout bag” in &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|7"&gt;Baltimore City Code Article 7&lt;/cite&gt;, §62-1; and</para>
        <para num="2.">checkout bags provided to customers solely for the purpose of carrying purchases of:<para num="(a)">fresh and derivative fish;</para>
          <para num="(b)">meat and poultry products;</para>
          <para num="(c)">unpackaged fruits, nuts, vegetables, confectionery, fresh cheese, and baked goods;</para>
          <para num="(d)">ice;</para>
          <para num="(e)">foods and goods obtained at a farmers’ market;</para>
          <para num="(f)">prescription drugs obtained from a pharmacy;</para>
          <para num="(g)">newspapers; and</para>
          <para num="(h)">dry-cleaned goods.</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Registration.">
        <para num="A.">To comply with the requirements of &lt;cite data-path="05.19.01.05"&gt;this regulation&lt;/cite&gt;, a retailer must register online at cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/bagtax.</para>
        <para num="B.">Only one user ID and password shall be allowed per account.</para>
        <para num="C.">Frequently asked questions and answers are available at &lt;u&gt;www.baltimoresustainability.org&lt;/u&gt;.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Taxpayer Identification Number.">
        <para num="A.">A retailer must apply to the Baltimore Finance Department for a taxpayer identification (ID) number.</para>
        <para num="B.">The provided ID shall uniquely identify each eligible retailer location.</para>
        <para num="C.">Chain retailers must request individual tax ID per location.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Monthly Report.">
        <para num="A.">A retailer must provide the Baltimore City Director of Finance a monthly, detailed report of all bags provided to customers by location.</para>
        <para num="B.">The report must be filed online at cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/bagtax.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="User Fee for Checkout Bag.">
        <text>For the use of a checkout bag, a retailer must charge a user fee of $0.05, pursuant to &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;Baltimore City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;, Subtitle 32.</text>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Payments.">
        <para num="A.">A retailer must remit monthly the total amount yielded by the bag surcharge to the Baltimore City Director of Finance.</para>
        <para num="B.">A retailer must remit the total amount yielded by the bag surcharge by location.</para>
        <para num="C.">The bag surcharge is due on or before the 25th day of the month following the month of collection.</para>
        <para num="D.">Payments must be made online at cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/bagtax.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".10" heading="Calculation of Monthly Payments and Reporting Requirements.">
        <para num="A.">If a retailer provides 300 or more checkout bags to customers, the bag surcharge is triggered.</para>
        <para num="B.">No tax is due for any month in which fewer than 300 checkout bags are provided to customers.</para>
        <para num="C.">A retailer shall report zero bags for any month in which the retailer provides fewer than 300 checkout bags to customers.</para>
        <para num="D.">Notwithstanding &lt;cite data-path="05.19.01.10|C."&gt;subsection C of this section&lt;/cite&gt;, if a retailer provides fewer than 300 checkout bags to customers in any given month, the retailer must aggregate the number of bags provided to customers over multiple consecutive months.</para>
        <para num="E.">When a retailer provides a total aggregate of at least 300 bags to customers pursuant to &lt;cite data-path="05.19.01.10|D."&gt;subsection D of this section&lt;/cite&gt;, a retailer is required to file a report with the City for that month and remit the appropriate bag surcharge. F.  Partial payments will not be accepted.</para>
        <para num="F.">High bag sales.<para num="(1)">If a retailer reports providing more than 300 bags to customers in a month, the bag surcharge would be for the total number of bags reported.</para>
          <para num="(2)">If the retailer does not remit the appropriate bag surcharge, penalties will be assessed.</para>
        </para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".11" heading="Receipt Itemization.">
        <text>Pursuant to &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;Baltimore City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;, §32-4, each receipt a retailer gives a customer must itemize and show the bag surcharge, if any, on the customer’s bill.</text>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".12" heading="Record Keeping.">
        <para num="A.">A retailer must keep complete and accurate records of all transactions involving exempt and non-exempt checkout bags.</para>
        <para num="B.">A retailer must provide documentation that supports the retailer’s general accounting system.</para>
        <para num="C.">The retailer’s records must be available for inspection and audit by the City during all business hours.</para>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".13" heading="Penalties.">
        <text>A retailer who fails to comply with the provisions of the &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28"&gt;City Code Article 28&lt;/cite&gt;, Subtitle 32 and &lt;cite data-path="05.19.01.13"&gt;this regulation&lt;/cite&gt; will be penalized in accordance with &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§32-6"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 32-6&lt;/cite&gt;.</text>
      </section>
      <section prefix="Regulation" num=".14" heading="State Sales and Use Tax.">
        <text>The $0.01 bag surcharge collected by a retailer and remitted to the City for each bag provided to customers pursuant to &lt;cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Code" data-path="|28|§32-4"&gt;City Code Article 28, § 32-4&lt;/cite&gt; cannot be included in the calculation of the Maryland Sales and Use Tax pursuant to the &lt;cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gtg|11102"&gt;Tax-General Article, § 11102, Annotated Code of Maryland&lt;/cite&gt;.</text>
      </section>
    </container>
  </container>
</baltimore-city-law>
