This page explains the Maryland Land Instrument Intake Sheet in plain English.
Many people prepare a Maryland quitclaim deed and assume the deed itself is the only document needed. Then they discover that Maryland recording offices generally need an additional form called the Land Instrument Intake Sheet.
Important Maryland Intake Sheet Note:
The Land Instrument Intake Sheet helps the clerk’s office, State Department of Assessments and Taxation, and county finance office process the deed, index the land records, review taxes, and update property information.
Maryland Judiciary instructions describe the intake sheet as a single form used by Maryland circuit court clerk offices to help process, record, and index land instruments accurately.
Baltimore City has its own intake sheet and local transfer tax office process, so a Baltimore City recording should be checked separately before submitting the deed package.
What Is the Maryland Land Instrument Intake Sheet?
The Maryland Land Instrument Intake Sheet is a recording-support form submitted with many deeds and other land instruments.
In plain English, it tells Maryland recording and tax offices what kind of document is being recorded, who the parties are, what property is involved, and how the transfer should be handled for tax and assessment purposes.
The intake sheet is not the quitclaim deed. The deed transfers the property interest. The intake sheet helps the government offices process the deed.
How Do I Get the Intake Sheet?
The official Maryland Land Instrument Intake Sheet and instructions are available from Maryland Judiciary court forms.
- Maryland Judiciary Land Instrument Intake Sheet PDF
- Maryland Judiciary Intake Sheet Instructions PDF
- Maryland SDAT Forms Page
Practical Tip:
Use the current form accepted by the county where the property is located. For Baltimore City, confirm the current Baltimore City intake sheet and transfer tax office procedure before recording.
Why Maryland Uses This Form
Maryland deed recording involves more than filing a document in the land records.
The intake sheet helps multiple offices work from the same basic information:
- the Clerk’s Office for recording and indexing
- the State Department of Assessments and Taxation for assessment records
- the county finance office for transfer tax, recordation tax, and local charges
This is why a deed can be delayed even when the deed itself looks complete.
What Information Does the Intake Sheet Ask For?
The Maryland Land Instrument Intake Sheet commonly asks for information such as:
- county or Baltimore City recording location
- type of instrument, such as deed, deed of trust, mortgage, lease, or other instrument
- conveyance type
- property tax account identification number
- property address or legal identification
- grantor information
- grantee information
- consideration or transfer amount
- principal amount of debt, when applicable
- recordation tax and transfer tax information
- contact and return information
How the Intake Sheet Affects Taxes
The intake sheet helps the county determine what transfer tax, recordation tax, and local charges may apply.
Maryland state transfer tax is commonly 0.5% of the consideration, but county transfer tax, recordation tax, and local processing rules can vary.
Example: if state transfer tax applies to a $100,000 taxable transfer, the state transfer tax alone would generally be about $500. County transfer tax, recordation tax, and recording fees may be additional.
For a deeper explanation, see our Maryland Transfer and Recordation Taxes page.
Baltimore City Intake Sheet Note
Baltimore City should be handled carefully.
Baltimore City finance guidance states that a completed City of Baltimore Intake Sheet is required for documents presented for recordation tax processing.
That means a Baltimore City deed recording may not use the same process as a deed recorded in another Maryland county.
Common Maryland Intake Sheet Mistakes
- Forgetting to include the intake sheet with the deed package
- Using the wrong intake sheet for Baltimore City
- Entering an incorrect property tax account number
- Using only a street address when more property identification is needed
- Leaving grantor or grantee information incomplete
- Using inconsistent names between the deed and intake sheet
- Failing to complete tax sections accurately
- Submitting the deed before county finance or tax review is complete
- Assuming recording fees, transfer tax, and recordation tax are the same thing
How This Fits Into the Maryland Quitclaim Deed Process
When preparing a Maryland quitclaim deed, treat the Land Instrument Intake Sheet as part of the recording package.
The deed transfers the property interest. The intake sheet helps the recording, assessment, and finance offices process the transfer correctly.
Return to the main Maryland Quitclaim Deed Instructions page for the complete step-by-step guide.
Maryland Land Instrument Intake Sheet FAQ
Is the Land Instrument Intake Sheet the same as the deed?
No. The deed transfers the property interest. The intake sheet provides processing, tax, assessment, and indexing information.
Where do I get the Maryland Land Instrument Intake Sheet?
The official form and instructions are available from Maryland Judiciary court forms.
Does Baltimore City use the same intake sheet?
Baltimore City has its own intake sheet and local transfer tax office process, so Baltimore City recordings should be checked separately.
Can missing intake sheet information delay recording?
Yes. Missing or inconsistent intake sheet information can delay tax review, assessment updates, indexing, or recording.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.