This week, Governor Wes Moore appointed Daniel K. Phillips as interim director of the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). Phillips replaces the now-former director, Michael Higgs, who had served in the role since 2016.

Phillips has served since 2020 as SDAT State Supervisor of the Real Property Division. He recently completed his 35th year with SDAT, where he has served in various capacities, including Senior Area Supervisor of Commercial and Industrial Assessments, Supervisor of Assessments for Wicomico County, and as a commercial and industrial assessor in multiple counties.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and I am honored to step into this role,” said Daniel Phillips. “I look forward to running an efficient, transparent Department as we carry out our work on behalf of all Marylanders.”

The property tax is the largest source of local revenue for Maryland’s county governments. Counties rely on this revenue to fund schools, public safety, infrastructure, public health, and other essential services.

SDAT is responsible for assessing property in Maryland. Assessments conducted by the State, rather than the local governments, help assure taxpayers that the assessing body provides objective, unbiased analysis.

Maryland divides more than two million property accounts into three groups, each appraised by SDAT once every three years. There are 24 local state assessment offices, one in each county and one in Baltimore City.

A search is underway for a long-term SDAT Director, and interested candidates may apply here.