For immediate release:
May 29, 2018
Contact:
Jason Davidson
jason.davidson2@maryland.gov
410-767-5754

Tax Relief May Be Available For Property Owners Impacted By Heavy Rain and Flood Damage

SDAT Will Identify Damaged Real Property for Reassessment, Encourages Residents To Apply

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is encouraging residents whose real property has been damaged by the recent severe weather to contact the Department, as they may qualify to have their property assessments reduced. Maryland residents can fill out the attached pdf and email it to their local SDAT assessment office. A list of all SDAT offices with contact information can be found on SDAT’s website here.

Multiple locations across Maryland such as Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Annapolis have been impacted by flooding and power outages, but Ellicott City in Howard County was particularly devastated. If you are a resident or business owner in Ellicott City, please contact the Howard County Assessment Office by calling 410-480-7940 or emailing sdat.how@maryland.gov.

Governor Larry Hogan has declared a statewide Stat​e of Emergency on Sunday, May 27, in response to the major flooding in order to provide Maryland residents with vital assistance and resources throughout the duration of this hazardous situation. SDAT offices have been in contact with county governments and other local organizations to offer any assistance and coordination necessary. In the coming weeks, SDAT’s assessors will be logging affected properties and will begin visiting areas impacted by the severe weather in order to locate and identify damaged property.

When a decrease in value is confirmed by an assessor—either from an exterior inspection or from a resident submitting the attached application—an adjusted real property assessment will be sent to the County Finance Office and a new tax bill may be issued. If a property owner has already paid their tax bill, a prorated abatement will be issued. If the extent of damage is not clear from an exterior inspection, the attached form will be mailed to the property owner for them to complete and send back. In addition to property tax relief, business personal property lost as a result of the damage may also be eligible for a personal property assessment reduction.

The Department joins Governor Hogan and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in reminding residents to take all necessary precautions to stay safe. Please avoid all affected areas and continue to monitor the weather forecast because more rain is expected throughout the week. Click h​ere​ for more information from MEMA on how residents can be weather prepared by ensuring that they know how to receive warnings, follow safety tips, and take certain actions.

SDAT will continue to be in contact with state and local governments to ensure that residents who may qualify for a reduced assessment are aware of the damaged property assessment reduction form.

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