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MARYLAND PROPERTY TAX APPEAL CHECKLIST
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Use this checklist to gather all documents needed for your appeal
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YOUR PROPERTY INFORMATION
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Property Address:
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Account Number (from assessment notice):
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Current Assessed Value:
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Appeal Deadline (45 days from notice date):
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✓DOCUMENT / TASKSTATUSNOTES / DATE COMPLETED
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SECTION 1: REVIEW YOUR ASSESSMENT NOTICE
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Obtain your official assessment notice from SDAT
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Verify property details (sq ft, bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size)
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Check for any errors in property description
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Note the assessment date and appeal deadline
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Review the comparable properties listed on your notice
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SECTION 2: GATHER PROPERTY DOCUMENTATION
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Copy of your deed
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Most recent property survey (if available)
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Home inspection report (if you have one)
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Recent appraisal (from refinance or purchase)
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Settlement statement from your purchase (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure)
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Property insurance declarations page
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SECTION 3: DOCUMENT PROPERTY ISSUES & CONDITIONS
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Photos of any structural damage or defects
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Photos of deferred maintenance issues
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Repair estimates or contractor quotes for needed work
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Documentation of environmental issues (flooding, drainage, etc.)
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Photos of negative external factors (busy roads, commercial, power lines)
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List of major systems needing replacement (roof, HVAC, etc.)
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SECTION 4: RESEARCH COMPARABLE SALES
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Gather 3-5 recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood
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Ensure comparables sold within last 6-12 months
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Print MLS listings or sale details for each comparable
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Note differences between your property and comparables
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Calculate average price per square foot of comparables
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Highlight sales that are lower than your assessment
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SECTION 5: PREPARE YOUR APPEAL FORM
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Complete SDAT appeal form (online or paper)
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Write clear explanation of why assessment is too high
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Attach all supporting documentation
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Make copies of everything for your records
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Submit before 45-day deadline
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Get confirmation of receipt (email or certified mail)
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SECTION 6: PREPARE FOR YOUR HEARING
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Receive hearing date notification
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Organize evidence in logical order
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Create presentation outline or summary
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Prepare 3-4 copies of all documents for board members
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Practice presenting your case (5-10 minutes)
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Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to hearing
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SECTION 7: OPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL HELP
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Consider hiring property tax consultant for complex cases
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Get Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from real estate agent
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Obtain professional appraisal if needed
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Consult with real estate attorney for high-value appeals
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IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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• You have only 45 DAYS from the date on your assessment notice to file your appeal
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• Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit
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• Be professional and fact-based in your presentation - avoid emotional arguments
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• Focus on comparable sales data and property defects, not your ability to pay taxes
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• Even a small reduction can save you hundreds of dollars annually for years to come
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Need help gathering comparable sales data or understanding your local market?
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Contact Robert Garcia | Capital Crest Group of Long & Foster
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www.capitalcrestgroup.com
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