5 Ways to Beat the Tax Assessor
Every 3 years, every home in Maryland receives what they call a Property Tax Assessment Notice. If you
are one of the “lucky” property owners who get this notice in the mail sometime between end of
December and early January, you may be very confused by the report.
1. First let’s address what to look for on the report or notice. The top of the notice states your tax
record and property location. Then there will be a series of very important questions and
answers. The most important question is whether the property is your primary residence. If it
says “YES” then you have already filed and are entitled to a HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT which caps
the increase in your property taxes annually to no more than 10%. Here is link to help you learn
more. Tax Credit
2. Next find in the section called NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT the past assessed value (3 years ago) and
the current assessed value. Focus solely on the TOTAL MARKET VALUE. Note the increase in the
next box to the right. This is probably when you begin to either scream or faint. Try your best
to keep it together and I’ll do my best to help you navigate some potential solutions.
3. Every tax assessment comes with the right to appeal. When you see a very large increase like
most homeowners are seeing today, I always recommend you file an appeal. Now listen
carefully what to do next!
4. As you fill in the form online to request an appeal be certain to request a copy of the worksheet
and a local area sales analysis. Basically you are asking for the tax assessment offices work
product and they have to share it with you if you request it. Because you are on a deadline to
request an appeal appt., I always recommend you go ahead and file for an appeal appt. You are
assured you appeal rights, however you can always cancel in the future if you change your mind.
5. Once you receive the worksheet and analysis from the assessment office, I highly recommend
you reach out to your trusted Realtor to advise you how to approach your choices. Your real
estate professional knows the local area and knows your home. A market analysis from your
local realtor may reveal the comparable used by the assessment office were unfair. Click here
for an updated valuation of your home. You can then take better information with you to appeal
your assessment. If you added a major addition to your home or did an extensive outdoor
landscape/pool project, your value may actually be accurate. But only your personal Realtor will
be able to advise you best.
There are several exemptions or tax credit programs available for Veterans, senior citizens and others.
Here’s a link to give you more information. Homeowners Property Tax Credit
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