Stormwater Management Tax Incentives

Protect the Chesapeake Bay and save on your property tax bill.


Anne Arundel County offers two ways to get paid back for managing stormwater on your property. Whether you are installing a new rain garden or maintaining an existing bioretention area, you may be eligible for significant savings.
 

1. The Stormwater Management Property Tax Credit

Best for: New Installations & Recent Upgrades

If you install a qualified stormwater practice, you can receive a credit against your County real property taxes.

  • The Benefit: A credit equal to 10% of the cost of materials and installation.
  • Duration: Applied annually for 5 years (up to 50% total project cost).
  • Cap: Maximum of $10,000 over the 5-year life of the credit.
  • Requirement:  Requires inspection by the County during the life of the credit.
  • Deadline: You must apply within 45 days of completing the project.

Learn more about and apply for the Stormwater Management Property Tax Credit Program HERE.

 

2. The WPRF Credit

Best for: Existing practices and/or Long-Term Maintenance

The Watershed Protection & Restoration Fee (WPRF) appears as a line item on your tax bill. You can reduce this specific fee by ensuring your property’s impervious surfaces (roofs, driveways, etc.) are properly treated.

  • The Benefit: Reduce your annual WPRF bill by up to 50%.
  • Duration: Ongoing, as long as the practice is maintained and passes inspection.
  • Cap: Maximum of 50% reduction in the WPRF in perpetuity, or for the life of the practice.
  • Requirement: Requires a signed Inspection and Maintenance Agreement or Fee Credit Agreement with the County, as well as inspection by the County.
  • Deadline: Apply by October 1st for the credit to apply to the current tax year.

Learn more about and apply for the WPRF Credit Program HERE.

 

How do these incentive programs differ?

ProgramStormwater Management Property Tax CreditWatershed Protection & Restoration Fee (WPRF) Credit
Applied ToYour general County Real Property TaxThe specific "Stormwater/WPRF" line item
Best ForOffsetting the cost of building a new projectRewarding ongoing maintenance of a project, new or existing
Max Savings$10,00050% of the annual WPRF
Time LimitEnds after 5 years (or when the $10,000 max is reached, whichever is sooner)Continues indefinitely or for the life of the practice
Combined?Yes, you can apply for both credits for the same project!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Small residential projects like rain barrels often don't, but larger installations may require a grading permit. Projects required by law (e.g., as a condition of new construction) are eligible for the WPRF Credit but not the Stormwater Management Property Tax Credit.

Yes. Both programs require a County inspection to verify that the practice is installed correctly and functioning as intended.

Visit our Stormwater BMP Maintenance Guidance webpage to learn more!