For business owners in Howard County and the surrounding areas of Maryland, property taxes are a significant annual expense.

With the ongoing triennial commercial real estate reassessments in property values, many businesses will likely overpay due to inflated or inaccurate property tax assessments. These assessments can have a direct impact on your profitability and long-term success.

At Saltzman Law, we specialize in helping businesses challenge and appeal property tax assessments to ensure fairness and accuracy. If your commercial property taxes seem too high, understanding the appeals process is the first step toward relief.

The Impact of Overvalued Property Tax Assessments

Commercial property tax assessments are based on the perceived value of your real estate. However, these valuations are not always accurate. Common reasons for inflated assessments include:

• Inaccurate property valuations that don’t account for local market conditions.
• Assumptions about improvements or income potential that don’t align with your property’s actual use.
• Errors in square footage or zoning classifications.

When assessments are overstated, you end up paying more in taxes than necessary—money that could be reinvested in your business in 2025 and beyond.

How Saltzman Law Can Help with Real Estate Tax Appeals

Challenging a property tax assessment requires in-depth legal and financial expertise. Our attorneys at Saltzman Law have decades of experience handling commercial real estate tax appeals for businesses across Maryland.

Here’s how we help:

1. Assessment Review
   We begin by reviewing your property tax assessment for errors or inconsistencies. Our team works with independent appraisers and market analysts to determine if your valuation is fair and accurate.
2. Strategic Appeal Preparation
   Once we identify discrepancies, we craft a compelling case to present to the appropriate local or state tax authorities. This includes assembling evidence such as comparable sales data, property appraisals, and market trends.
3. Representation at All Levels
   Whether your appeal is handled administratively or escalated to court, we represent your interests every step of the way. Our attorneys are experienced in presenting cases before administrative courts, the Maryland Tax Court, and the Circuit Court of Maryland.
4. Long-Term Tax Planning
   Beyond the immediate appeal, we provide guidance on reducing your future property tax liabilities through strategic planning and proactive management.

How to Know If You Should File a Commercial Property Tax Appeal

Ask yourself these questions:

• Has your assessment increased significantly compared to previous years?
• Does your property’s valuation seem out of line with similar properties in the area?
• Were there recent changes to your property’s condition, income, or usage that aren’t reflected in the assessment?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” a property tax appeal may be the right move for your business.

Take Control of Your Property Taxes Today

At Saltzman Law, we know how burdensome unfair property tax assessments can be for your business. Let us help you navigate the appeals process and secure a fair valuation.