Allison Harris, Director of PBRC's Home Preservation Project, spoke to The Baltimore Sun about the importance of exempting all residencies from tax sale due to unpaid water bills, and the underexamined issue of misclassified properties.

“When the State Department of Assessments and Taxation receives word that a homeowner has died, the home’s classification is changed. But after an heir who resides in the home obtains the deed, the home might still be listed in the SDAT catalog as not owner-occupied.

'People assume: ‘Oh, homeowners are protected,' Harris said. 'But because the database is filled with errors about what is or isn’t owner-occupied, homeowners aren’t protected.'"

Read more about House Bill 59 and the changes to the tax sale system PBRC is advocating for to better protect homeowners.

Join our growing PBRC team at this vital moment in the organization's history! As we continue to expand our services and respond to pressing legal needs, PBRC is hiring for positions to assist low-income Marylanders seeking legal services.

There are currently positions open as a Staff Attorney and Volunteer Manager.

View the full job description, including salary ranges, and apply today!

This year, PBRC is proud to offer Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) for donations of $500 or more. Here’s how it works:

• 50% State Tax Credit: Receive a credit on your Maryland state taxes equal to half your donation amount. For example, a $1,000 gift means $500 off your Maryland state taxes.

• Charitable Deduction: In addition to the state tax credit, you can still claim the full donation as a deduction on your federal and state taxes.

The bottom line: A $1,000 donation to PBRC could cost you as little as $250 after combining tax savings and credits. Your generosity has never gone further! But credits are limited, so act fast. Visit probonomd.org/taxcredits to learn more or make your gift today.