Maryland real estate property owners will receive an assessment notice containing a Homestead Tax Credit Application for the first time this year beginning January 1, 2008. This one-time application must be submitted in order to insure that the credit is granted only on eligible properties and not on properties that are rented or used as vacation homes. For commonly asked questions and to file an application on-line visit the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation website or mail the paper form in the postage paid envelope included in the assessment notice. Homeowners not reassessed until 2009 or 2010 can wait until then to submit a Homestead Tax Credit application.