Although appraisers often prepare appraisal and appraisal review reports in assessment appeal environments, appraisers can also routinely provide other valuation and valuation-related services. Remaining an objective professional in providing credible property tax services requires the appraiser to maintain clear communications with a client pertaining to the services provided and the appraiser's role in providing them.
Services that McPherson & Associates can provide beyond preparing appraisal and appraisal review reports include:
- Assisting taxpayers in ascertaining the correctness of their assessment records
- Assisting municipalities in distinguishing real from personal property and the taxable status of property
- Assisting in dispute resolution conferences when disagreements arise between property owner and assessor
The relationship between market value and full cash value (Maryland) is estimated by the Assessment Departments and can vary widely. The impact of an over assessment can directly impact the bottom line of a business or property owner due to the unfair burden of an over assessment.
Appeals in the State of Maryland may be filed on three occasions:
- Upon receipt of an assessment notice
- By a petition for review(1); and
- Upon purchase of property between January 1, and June 30 (1) Must be filed no later than 1st work day following January
The Appraisers role is useful in each step of the assessment appeal process:
- First Step – Supervisor Level
- Second Step – Property Tax Appeals Board
- Third Step – Maryland Tax Court
In each of these steps the appraiser can provide assistance in estimating the value of the property by obtaining sales and rental data from various sources and analyzing income and expense information relevant to the property.
It should be noted that appraisers are independent and cannot accept a fee contingent upon the development or reporting of a predetermined value or direction in value that favors the cause of the client, the amount of the value opinion, the attainment of a stipulated result, or the occurrence of a subsequent event directly related to the intended use of this appraisal.
The assessment appeal process is a mechanism intended to assure an accurate property valuation. If the value placed upon your property is believed to be higher than it should be, we can research the market and determine if there is supporting evidence to warrant an appeal.