For many Marylanders, the cost of property taxes or rent can be challenging. To help ease this burden, the state offers the Homeowners and Renters Tax Credit programs, designed to provide financial relief to eligible residents.

What Are These Tax Credits?

The Homeowners Tax Credit is available to low-income homeowners, helping reduce the amount of property taxes owed based on income. If your property taxes exceed a certain percentage of your income, the state will cover the difference, making homeownership more affordable.

In this article, I will review two government programs that aim to make family life more compatible with work.

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave in Maryland is governed by a combination of federal and state laws, ensuring that new parents have options for taking time off to care for their newborns. Here are the key aspects of maternity leave in the state:

1) Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Under the federal FMLA, eligible employees in Maryland can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. This can be used for maternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

2) Maryland Parental Leave Act (MPLA):  Maryland has its own MPLA, which provides additional protections. Eligible employees can take up to six workweeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. To qualify, employees must work for an employer with 15 or more employees and meet specific service requirements.