The Solar Energy Property Tax Credit Application is the form the Anne Arundel County Office of Finance uses to grant a one-time credit against county real property taxes on a home that uses solar energy equipment. It is one of the Anne Arundel County property tax credit applications that owners file with the Office of Finance, and it must be received by June 1 to count for the following taxable year. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the county publishes the original form and the credit rules at aacounty.org.
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What is Solar Energy Property Tax Credit Application – Anne Arundel County, MD?
The Solar Energy Property Tax Credit Application is the Anne Arundel County form owners complete to request a one-time credit against county real property taxes on a residential dwelling that uses solar energy equipment installed on or after January 1, 2007.
The credit comes from County Code § 4-2-316, a copy of which is included with the application and is the basis for deciding whether the requirements are met. Under that section, "solar energy equipment" means collectors, photovoltaic arrays, solar panels, storage tanks and all other hardware necessary to, and used as part of, the mechanism that collects, stores, generates or distributes energy from the sun. The credit is taken from the taxes levied on the dwelling, never from the taxes levied on the land. The amount is the lesser of two measures set in § 4-2-316(e): a share of the cost of materials and installation, reduced by federal and State grants and State solar energy tax credits, or a fixed cap. Ask the Office of Finance for the current figures.
The form collects the owner and property details, a description of the equipment, whether it was purchased or leased, the total cost, the federal and State credits and grants received, and a certification signed under penalties of perjury. It is separate from the county's other credit applications, such as the one for geothermal energy devices. The county's credits reduce only Anne Arundel County property taxes and do not apply to the Solid Waste service charge, the Waterway Protection and Restoration Fund (WPRF) fee, State of Maryland property taxes or City of Annapolis property taxes.
Who needs to file Solar Energy Property Tax Credit Application – Anne Arundel County, MD?
Owners of a residential dwelling in Anne Arundel County that uses solar energy equipment installed on or after January 1, 2007 apply with this form. Under County Code § 4-2-316(c), a qualifying device is any device that uses solar energy to heat or cool the dwelling, to generate electricity used in the dwelling, or to provide hot water used in the dwelling.
- Co-owners: the form has lines for the names of all property owners and for two applicant signatures.
- Owners of leased systems: the form asks whether the equipment was purchased or leased. Lease payment coupons and a lease agreement are not acceptable proof of cost. The county's FAQ says to ask the vendor of the leased system for a "Project Cost Statement" or similar document that separates the cost of materials, supplies and installation.
- Pool heating: the form asks whether any part of the equipment heats water for a swimming pool, and asks you to explain if so.
An application may be filed only once for the duration of the credit, so owners who have already received it do not reapply. The credit applies to the building, not the land.
When to file Solar Energy Property Tax Credit Application – Anne Arundel County, MD
The application must be received on or before June 1 to be considered for the following taxable year, which begins July 1. County Code § 4-2-316(d) says an application filed after June 1 is disallowed for that year but is treated as an application for the next succeeding taxable year. The Office of Finance says deadlines set in County Code cannot be waived or extended by its staff.
An application may be filed only once for the duration of the credit, so submit it when your documentation is complete. The county sends notification when a completed application is approved or denied. You can also call (410) 222-1748 to ask about its status. If the application is incomplete or raises questions, the county contacts you. If you have already paid your property taxes when a credit is applied, the county processes the refund automatically.
Documents you need
- Copies of PAID receipts, invoices or other documentation of the purchase of materials or supplies and of the actual installation cost of the solar energy equipment; the form says missing documentation may result in denial.
- For leased equipment: a "Project Cost Statement" or similar document from the vendor that specifies the cost of materials, supplies and installation. A lease agreement or lease payment coupons are not acceptable.
- A copy of the final inspection sticker for the solar energy equipment; the form asks you to answer Yes or No on whether you included it.
How to fill out Solar Energy Property Tax Credit Application – Anne Arundel County, MD
Read County Code § 4-2-316
Read the copy of § 4-2-316 attached to the form; the certification states that you have read it. Note the June 1 deadline and that you need paid cost documentation.
Enter owner and property address
Write the name(s) of the property owner(s) and the property address, with city, state and ZIP code. Type or print in ink if you complete a paper copy.
Enter the parcel ID
In Parcel ID#, give the District/Subdivision/Account Number. The county says the 12-digit account number on your latest tax bill (XXXX-XXXX-XXXX) or the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation account identifier can be used.
Add contact and mailing details
Enter a primary and secondary telephone number and an email address. Fill in the mailing address only if it differs from the property address; an email address also lets the county confirm receipt.
Describe the solar equipment
Describe the equipment and its use, for example the number of panels and the KW output. Answer the swimming pool question and explain if any part of the equipment heats pool water.
Mark purchased or leased
Check Purchased or Leased. If the system is leased, expect to need a Project Cost Statement or similar document from the vendor rather than lease coupons.
Enter the total system cost
Enter the total cost of the solar energy equipment, including installation costs, matching your paid receipts and invoices.
Answer the documentation questions
Check Yes or No for whether you included copies of all receipts, paid invoices and other cost documentation, and whether you included a copy of the final inspection sticker.
Report credits and grants received
Enter the amount of federal tax credit, State tax credit, federal grant and State grant you received. These reduce the credit under § 4-2-316(e).
Sign and date the certification
Each applicant signs and dates the certification, which is made under penalties of perjury and gives the county permission to verify your documentation.
Review and download the PDF
Check names, parcel ID, cost and answers against your receipts. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF, attach your documents and submit as described under How to submit.
How to submit Solar Energy Property Tax Credit Application – Anne Arundel County, MD
You can return the application to the Office of Finance by email or by mail.
- Email: send the completed application and your documentation to [email protected].
- Mail: Anne Arundel County, Office of Finance, Attn: Tax Credits, 44 Calvert Street, Room 110, Annapolis, MD 21401.
The application must be received by June 1. If you mail it less than 14 days before the deadline, the form suggests a traceable form of delivery, because the county is not responsible for delays in mail delivery. Include an email address on the form if you want the county to confirm receipt as a courtesy; if you hear nothing, call (410) 222-1748. Questions can also go to [email protected] or to the hearing/speech impaired line, 711. The Office of Finance is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending the application so it arrives after June 1; it is then disallowed for that year and treated as an application for the next succeeding taxable year.
- Submitting without copies of paid receipts, invoices or other cost documentation; the form warns this may result in denial of the application.
- Using lease payment coupons or a lease agreement as proof of cost; the county accepts neither, and a leased system needs a vendor's "Project Cost Statement" or similar document.
- Leaving out the copy of the final inspection sticker while the form asks whether you included it.
- Filling the form out in pencil; the form says to type or print using ink only.
- Signing as one owner when more than one owner is named; the form has two applicant signature lines.
- Applying a second time after receiving the credit; § 4-2-316(d) allows an application to be filed only once for the duration of the credit.
- Mailing the application close to June 1 without traceable delivery; the county is not responsible for mail delays.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Anne Arundel County property tax solar credit work?
It is a one-time credit against Anne Arundel County real property taxes levied on the dwelling, not the land. The amount is the lesser of a share of your materials and installation cost, reduced by grants and State solar credits, or a fixed cap in County Code § 4-2-316(e).
What is the deadline for the solar energy property tax credit application?
The county must receive it on or before June 1 to be considered for the following taxable year beginning July 1. A later application is disallowed that year but treated as an application for the next taxable year.
Can I email the solar tax credit application to Anne Arundel County?
Yes. The form says to return it to [email protected] or mail it to Anne Arundel County, Office of Finance, Attn: Tax Credits, 44 Calvert Street, Room 110, Annapolis, MD 21401.
What documents do I need to attach to the solar tax credit application?
Copies of paid receipts, invoices or other documentation of the materials and the actual installation cost. The form also asks whether you included a copy of the final inspection sticker. Missing documentation may lead to denial.
Can I use my lease agreement as proof of cost for leased solar panels?
No. Neither a lease agreement nor lease payment coupons are accepted. Ask the vendor of the leased system for a Project Cost Statement or similar document specifying the cost of materials, supplies and installation.
Can I apply for the solar credit more than once?
No. County Code § 4-2-316(d) says an application may be filed only once for the duration of the tax credit. Apply when your documentation is complete.
How do I check the status of my solar tax credit application?
Call the Tax Credit office at (410) 222-1748. The county sends notification when a completed application is approved or denied, and contacts you if it is incomplete.
Can I fill out the solar tax credit application online on FillingPDF?
Yes. You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is independent of Anne Arundel County and does not file the application; you submit it to the Office of Finance by email or mail.
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