The mission of The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is twofold. First, SDAT is responsible for the assessment of real property values in the State of Maryland and the certification of those values to the counties of Maryland for issuance of tax bills. Wrapped within these duties, the department is also responsible for administering certain real property tax credit programs and managing the state’s ground rent filing database. Second, the Department is responsible for the administration of the state’s business filing registry, and the applicable requirements and provisions related to business formation and maintenance in the State of Maryland. Business filings submitted to and approved by SDAT, including the statutorily mandated Annual Report, fulfill the required steps involved with starting, amending, or terminating a business entity within the State.