The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (also known as the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, or SDAT) is a customer-focused agency that works to ensure property is accurately assessed, business records are appropriately maintained, and necessary tax-related information is conveyed to state agencies and local jurisdictions. The Department's responsibilities can generally be
split into three main areas: Business Services, Real Property Valuation and Property Tax Credits. The Real Property Valuation Division values more than two million residential and commercial property accounts throughout the state. Those values are then certified to local governments, which use the assessments to collect property taxes. The Department is committed to ensuring uniform and accurate assessments statewide, as well as providing a fair and prompt appeal process.
The Business Services Division is comprised of the Business Charter, Business Property, and Property Tax Credit Units. The Business Charter Unit helps create businesses and ensures that the documents they file meet the requirements of Maryland law. The Business Property Unit values items that businesses own, lease, or use in order to operate and are subject to taxation by local jurisdictions. The Property Tax Credit Unit helps administer certain tax credits, including the Homeowners' Tax Credit, the Renters' Tax Credit, and the Homestead Tax Credit.
For tax purposes, the State Department of Assessment and Taxation assesses real and business personal property at market value and certifies these values to local governments. Based on the assessment and property tax rates set by each county and incorporated municipality, local jurisdictions send out annual property tax bills. To answer a quick survey about your customer experience, please visit
http://www.doit.state.md.us/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?agencycode=SDAT&SurveyID=86M2956 #.
