Annual Charge

The CA annual charge is a required fee paid by property and business owners on CA-assessed land. It helps pay for the amenities, spaces and experiences that make Columbia such a vibrant place to live. By funding these services, the annual charge helps sustain the high quality of life that consistently ranks Columbia among the top places to live in America.

Quick links: Make a Payment | Annual Charge FAQ

If your home is on property protected by CA covenants, your deed includes an annual charge. Every dollar you pay goes right back into enhancing life in Columbia, funding: 

• Everyday maintenance – Keeping 95 miles of pathways, 3 lakes, 40 ponds, hundreds of play areas and CA’s recreational facilities (fitness clubs, pools, tennis clubs, golf clubs and more) in top condition. Explore all amenities on Discover CA.  
• Infrastructure improvements – From upgrades to the facilities you love to smoother pathways and safer bridges across 3,600 acres of open space 
• Community programs and events – A full calendar of free entertainment, including Lakefront Live, and year-round programming for all ages  
• CA’s dedicated team – The people serving our community every day  

Your contribution helps CA manage and maintain everything that makes Columbia special. Each year, CA shares an annual report showing exactly how your dollars make a difference.  

Your annual charge helps make these awards possible by supporting the programs, amenities and community experiences that make Columbia exceptional.

• #2 Best Place to Live (Livability, 2024)
• #5 City to Raise a Family (Niche, 2025)
• #3 Emotional & Physical Well-being (Wallethub, 2026)

The annual charge has been around since Columbia and CA were founded, and the rate hasn’t changed since 2004 and increases are capped at 3.5%. The rate is : 68 cents for every $100 of 50% of your state-assessed property value.

Please use ONLY for annual charge payments for your property. We do not accept payments for Membership, School Age Services, Camps, etc., through this portal.

Mail checks/money orders to:

Columbia Association, Inc.
℅ Truist
PO Box 79998
Baltimore, MD 21279 

Note: Please include your parcel/account number or address on your check. 

If you received a property tax credit from Howard County, you are eligible to receive a proportionate credit on your annual charge bill. You must notify CA in writing of this credit each year. Please email a copy of the county credit to AnnualCharge@columbiaassociation.org, or send via US Mail to the address below: 

Columbia Association, Inc. 

℅ Annual Charge Division 

6310 Hillside Court 

Columbia MD 21046 

Please note:  

We will review and process tax credits in the order they are received. You will receive a revised bill if there is still a balance due on your account. If the tax credit results in a credit balance on your account, a refund will be processed.

Please be advised that state and county homestead credits are not eligible for this CA credit.

Still have questions about your Annual Charge? See our frequently asked questions page.

• Send us an email (preferred) at AnnualCharge@ColumbiaAssociation.org
• Leave us a voicemail at 410-715-3137 (calls are returned in the order they are received)
• Check your account balance 24/7 at 410-715-3058 (you will need your 6-digit parcel / account number)

Thank you for your investment in a vibrant, thriving Columbia!