Incentives & Taxes

Increase Your Bottom Line in Frederick County

As Maryland's largest county by land area with 660 square miles, Frederick County has an abundance of prime commercial opportunities with a solid infrastructure already in place. Frederick County's competitive tax structure, business-friendly climate and attractive local and state incentives make Frederick County the ideal place to do business. Frederick County is one of just a few elite counties across the U.S. with a AAA bond rating from all three agencies, the highest bond rating possible. This helps translate the financial health and stability in Frederick County.

Taxes

  • Frederick County has zero Business Personal Property Tax
  • Frederick County's Non-Residential Excise Tax is $0 for new buildings, new additions and accessory structures
  • Frederick County's Real Property Tax Rate is $1.11 per $100 of assessed value and all other county business taxes are exempt

Incentives

  • Fast Track Permitting can expedite eligible projects through the development process on an abbreviated schedule. Apply for Fast Track Permitting here.
  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) may be used to fund infrastructure for large projects with a required number of jobs and capital investment. View the TIF Policy Guidelines (PDF).
  • State, Local, and Redevelopment Tax Credits and Incentives are available for certain new and expanding businesses. Learn more.
  • City of Frederick's Grow Conditional Micro Grant is intended to encourage and financially-support physical improvements by targeted businesses to commercial buildings within The City of Frederick. The competitive program provides a limited quantity of small conditional matching grants subject to fund availability. View for more details.
  • HUBZones (Historically Underutilized Business Zones) give small businesses Federal contracting preferences. Nine are located in the City of Frederick and one in the City of Brunswick. Find more information.
  • Advantage Maryland (also known as MEDAAF) and Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority (MIDFA) provide businesses and political jurisdictions financing capabilities that may be used for targeted industries and certain projects and parameters. Contact us to discuss your project details.
  • Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Loans (C-PACE) provide 100% up-front capital to commercial property owners to implement building upgrades that save energy and lower operating costs. The loan is repaid through a long-term surcharge on the property tax bill that transfers with the sale of the property. Learn more about C-PACE (PDF).
  • Neighborhood Business Works provides gap financing in one of seven Sustainable Communities targeted for redevelopment in Frederick County's older neighborhoods. Learn more details.
  • Facade Improvement Grants provide business owners up to 50% in matching funds for the improvement of their facades (painting, awnings, lighting, signage, masonry/door/window repair) in designated Maryland Main Street communities. Contact us and find out if your location qualifies.
  • PR Frederick offers existing businesses free marketing and a boost in search engine optimization (SEO). View more details.