Question: I just purchased your Property Tax Appeal guide.  I have only a few days left to file an appeal - but I need advice before filing — I’m in Howard County Maryland — I’m given three options for appeal  1) "Written instead of personal Hearing"  2) Personal hearing with an assessor or 3) Telephone Hearing.  Which choice would you recommend I take?  If I take the written - how much information should I include?

Answer:  I would pay the filing fee for review appeal with the PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT APPEAL BOARD
contact: Howard County Clerk to the Appeals Board, 410-480-7965
http://www.co.ho.md.us/PortalServices/HC_bc_property.htm
 
This way you’re covered.
 
Then I would work up your comparables and call the local tax assessor and discuss your findings. If not satisfied you’ll be able to state your case to the appeal board. If you are not satisfied with their answer you can appeal to the tax court.
 
You need to file an appeal with the appeal board. When you fill out the form likely you will not have to present all the evidence. The filed form is your official foot in the door. Do not miss the file appeal date for offically filing your from with appeal board otherwise you’ll have to wait another year.
 
Sometimes the tax assessor will even contact you in order to work out a deal to avoid the appeal board hearing. Call and ask how many days before my scheduled hearing do I need to make my written evidence available to the members of the board? How many copies should I prepare?