The value of something is only what someone is willing to pay for that something and the only proof of that is the sale transaction. For 90% (or more) of residential property the entire assessment process is a costly waste of effort and at best an invitation to confusion... let alone the discounts and allowances and phasing in or the absurdity of separating the land from structure values. Eliminate it altogether.

Recognizing that most residential properties change hands within a 10 year cycle (almost all within 15 years) and for reasons entirely independent of the tax factors... at that sale transaction time the market value is clearly understood and agreed to by the buyer.

Use that purchase amount and a fixed rate for a fixed or known period of time.

If the buyer knows that the county rate is X (1%/thousand?)... then the buyer and the county know what will be billed and paid for the next 10 years. No surprises and no arguments.

For the relatively few properties that don't change hands (and have a new market based value assessed to them) another known in advance, fixed percentage adjustment can be applied (and appealed if needed) for the next five or ten year period.

Property taxes are the worst way to raise money. Any "appreciation" is a paper creation. Income or sales taxes are the better route since it is based on earnings and consumption. A lot of people used to be house rich but cash poor.

Our property taxes have increased yearly and our assessment is (in my opinion and I used to be in Real Estate) way over what it should be. I think senior citizens should be totally exempt from property taxes. They work their whole lives paying taxes and go on a limited income upon finally retiring and many lose their homes. It's time to do something about that. Harford has the highest tax rate in maryland, I think.

I just wanted to add to my previous post that due to the constant decrease in property values we definitely should be reassessed or have a much lower property tax rate.

Hi, Betty -- Baltimore has the highest property tax rate in the state. (For the current tax year, it's $2.268 per $100 in the city vs. $1.082 per $100 in Harford.) You can see all the rates here: www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/taxrate.html.

But at the moment, Harford's homestead cap is set higher than the rest of the metro area. So a homeowner whose property assessment rose a lot during the housing boom would have seen their tax bill increase faster than someone in Baltimore County, for instance.

We've seen a hugh tax increase in our last assessment and my concern is with the decrease in Real Estate values everywhere, those assessments should be adjusted and the tax rate should also be reduced dramatically. We moved to Harford County because the taxes were much lower 25 years ago and have seen hugh increases. We will be forced to move from the area upon retirement because we will not be able to maintain our home and keep up with the high property taxes and we all know there are going to be hugh federal and state tax increases to cover the upcoming debts our country is incurring.

Hi Jamie, I stand corrected on the tax rates. Thanks for the information. I read an article I think it said Harford has the highest tax rate next to Baltimore City. However, taxes should be based on what a home actually sells for not what government thinks the value should be. We have a small rancher in an Area that has grown tremendously in the past 25 years, We have 800 + thousand dollar homes being built right in our neighborhood and I'm sure our taxes are based on those values as well, which is highly unrealistic.

Betty, if you think your assessment is higher than the true value of your home, you could try appealing it. Here's how: www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/appeal.html

this comments is in refer to my mother, she gave me permission to may it on her behalf.. anyway.. she lives in a mobile home which depreciates in value, but yet her taxes keep going up higher,, also she should be given a discount because of her age.. over 88.. she when to belair, but didn't get any answer, just the run around..

Valerie, perhaps you could help your mother appeal her assessment if you both believe it's wrong.

Some details here: www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/appeal.html

I also blogged about appeals here: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/realestate/blog/2007/12/howto_monday_assessments_and_appeals.html

And here are some details about the state's tax break for lower-income residents: http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html

Hope that helps.

Real Estate Property tax should remain fixed at the purchased rate for at least the first five years in order to allow time for a buyer to develop a five year budget plan bases on logics. And, there after, assessed in five year increments for tax paining purposes. The price of Real Estate Property is what it sold for at any given time. The values of property dose not remain at the same price as purchased. It’s not possible for the common working citizen to pain for tax purpose. Whenever the buyer reaches retirement age; and with a fixed income, the last of the assessment for tax purpose would stop and remain fixed at the last of the five year assessments. Many residential properties change hands within 5 or 10 year because of varies good reasons… (In example) i.e. job change, military transfer, firm relocation. Using that purchase amount and a fixed rate for a fixed or known time period of time would be ‘fair play’ for people that desire to own their home and promptly pay their due tax.
Mr Johnnie M. Ashley

Valarie, I'm going to assume your best bet is to look into the Homeowner's Tax Credit. It is income based, and it could result in the State paying some or even all of your property tax bill. Make sure when you talk to somemone at SDAT that you specify Homeowner's and not Homestead.

http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html

I petitioned the county for a hearing to lower my taxes back in October 2010 and have not heard from them yet. I have a recent appraisal that is $40,000 less than my assessed value

Leslie, have you called to get an ETA on your appeal hearing? Would be a good idea -- you can call your local office directly: http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/county.html

Let me know what happens.

Anyone else waiting a long time for a hearing? I've heard one other complaint to that effect so far.