Property tax bills are sent out by property assessors' offices in Maryland in July or August by the 23 counties, 155 municipalities and Baltimore City. The Real Property Valuation Division reassesses real property every three years. One-third of all property in the state is reviewed annually, including a physical inspection of the exterior of the property.

Maryland property assessments will cause your property taxes to go up or down depending on the true market value placed on your property. If you've done improvements, you can expect it to increase. If the exterior of your property is in rough shape, your assessment is lower. It pays to familiarize yourself with property assessors in Maryland because their records can help to:

1. Determine true market value.

2. Compare and contrast similar properties to track property market trends.

3. Evaluate whether a Maryland property assessment is fair based on comparisons of similar properties.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read up on the law regarding Maryland land and property values

It pays to be a knowledgeable investor. If you don't understand Maryland property assessments, you won't know if the assessment on your land and building is fair.

I recommend: Check out the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation's (MSDAT) website. It outlines just how to appeal a Maryland land value assessment that you think is unfair. Fill out a Homestead Application to save money on your Maryland property taxes. Maryland.gov also provides information on state property tax laws and more.

Examine Maryland property assessments online to determine business or neighborhood values

It's relatively easy to search online records through property assessors' offices in Maryland. There are several tools to use because Maryland property values are public record. Some counties have free online databases and there are others you can subscribe to.

I recommend: Register for free and compare property assessments and locate tax assessors in Maryland with LoopNet. Select tax information, property detail and comparable sale information from USSearch's online tools. Receive a free preliminary report. Searchsystems.net uses Direct Pass, an online database to link you to information from property assessors in Maryland. It costs about $5 per month and is categorized by county.

Calculate potential taxes based on another property assessment in Maryland

If you're buying land, a building or a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home that's similar to others in the vicinity, it's safe to assume that property assessors in Maryland assess your property at an amount close to what your neighbors pay. Unless there are vast discrepancies in the condition, age or size of the building or lot, Maryland property assessors will keep it in line with neighboring properties.

I recommend: Take some time to look through the records of property assessors' offices in Maryland. Montgomery County and Washington County both post information online for you to review. Use the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation's statewide database to search for your county.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't be afraid to file a grievance to Maryland property assessors if you think your property has been given an unfair value. Many of them will hold informal hearings where you can plead your case.