Frederick County Real Estate Tax Question (sale, 2010, assessor)

[E&MFlorida]

When looking at the real estate listings for Frederick County, it appears that the estimated real estate tax is based on the most recent (high) appraisal. If someone could purchase that house below the tax appraisal, would not the new tax basis be based on the sale price? Does anyone have any ideas as to how subsequent appraisals would work? Does the assessor try to jack up the appraisal in later years to make up for the loss in tax revenue?

[Kim Delauter]

I just received my 2009/2010 property tax bill for my home. Is it too late to appeal ? My taxes have gone up 25% and the value of my home is down probably 30%.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by Kim Delauter

I just received my 2009/2010 property tax bill for my home. Is it too late to appeal ? My taxes have gone up 25% and the value of my home is down probably 30%.

I'll assume you're in MD. You have, I think, 45 days to appeal your tax bill. Look on the back of the bill for the specifics.
Did the County Commissioners raise the tax rate or enact any special assessments for things like trash or sewer? Those would raise your tax bill and special assessments are considered separately from the property tax. In MD, if you've been in your house more than one year your yearly property tax, no matter the increase in assessment, is limited to 10% (some jurisdictions are lower).
If you do appeal be prepared to prove the market value of your house with appraisals and comps.
MD reassesses property every three years and is done by the MD Department of Assessments and Taxation.


To the OP, if your purchase price is lower than the assessment you can file an appeal. Most of those are granted.