How to Dispute a Bill in Maryland: A Guide for Consumers
Maryland consumers have specific rights when disputing incorrect or unfair bills from service providers, medical facilities, or merchants. The dispute process typically involves written communication, proper documentation, and following specific timeframes established by Maryland consumer protection laws.
Timing is critical when disputing bills in Maryland - most consumer protection laws require you to dispute charges within 30-60 days of receiving the bill. Failing to dispute within these timeframes may limit your legal options for seeking corrections or refunds.
Key Considerations
Scenarios
Decisions
Scenarios
Decisions
Scenarios
Decisions
Relevant Laws
Maryland Consumer Protection Act
This law prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices in consumer transactions, including billing errors. It gives consumers the right to dispute incorrect charges and seek remedies for billing disputes. The Maryland Consumer Protection Act is enforced by the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General.
Maryland Commercial Law Code § 14-1501 to 14-1525 (Credit Grantor Billing Practices)
These provisions establish requirements for billing practices by credit grantors in Maryland. They outline procedures for disputing billing errors, including timeframes for consumers to report errors and for creditors to respond to disputes. The law requires creditors to acknowledge billing disputes within 30 days and resolve them within 90 days.
Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
While this is a federal law, it applies in Maryland and provides important protections for consumers disputing billing errors on credit accounts. It allows consumers to dispute charges within 60 days of receiving a bill and requires creditors to respond to disputes within specific timeframes. The FCBA also prohibits creditors from reporting disputed amounts as delinquent during the investigation period.
Maryland Debt Collection Act
This law regulates debt collection practices in Maryland and provides additional protections beyond the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It's relevant when disputing bills that have been sent to collections. The law prohibits collectors from attempting to collect disputed debts without verifying the debt's validity.
Maryland Telephone Solicitation Act
This law is relevant when disputing bills for services or products ordered by telephone. It requires clear disclosure of terms and conditions during telephone solicitations and provides a 3-day cancellation right for certain telephone transactions, which can be helpful when disputing unexpected charges.
Regional Variances
Major Metropolitan Areas
Baltimore City has a dedicated Consumer Protection Division within the City Solicitor's Office that offers free mediation services for billing disputes. Residents can file complaints directly through the city's 311 system. Additionally, Baltimore's Public Justice Center provides specialized legal assistance for low-income residents facing utility billing disputes.
Montgomery County has enhanced consumer protection laws through its Office of Consumer Protection, which can investigate billing disputes even when state agencies might not have jurisdiction. The county also requires certain service providers to register locally, providing an additional avenue for dispute resolution not available in other counties.
Eastern Shore
Ocean City has specific ordinances regarding seasonal rental and utility billing disputes, reflecting its tourism-based economy. The town provides specialized mediation services during peak tourist season (May-September) for visitors experiencing billing issues with accommodations or services.
Salisbury has a unique Municipal Utilities Commission that handles water and sewer billing disputes through a separate process from other Maryland jurisdictions. Residents must first appeal to this commission before pursuing other legal remedies, unlike the direct state-level appeals available elsewhere.
Western Maryland
Frederick County offers a Consumer Affairs Division that provides more hands-on assistance with billing disputes than available at the state level. The county also maintains a Small Claims Advisory Service specifically to help residents prepare for small claims court when disputing bills under $5,000.
Garrett County has special provisions for disputing heating and energy bills during winter months due to its harsh climate. The county's Human Resources Department administers additional emergency utility assistance programs beyond state offerings, with expedited dispute resolution during November-March.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Review and document the billing issue
1 days after startingCarefully review your bill to identify the specific error or dispute. Document the exact amount in question, when you noticed the issue, and why you believe it's incorrect. Take screenshots or make copies of the bill showing the disputed charges.
Gather supporting documentation
3 days after startingCollect all relevant documents that support your position, including previous bills, payment receipts, service agreements, and any communications with the company about the services or products in question.
Compile Account Statement and Payment History
5 days after startingOrganize your Account Statement and Payment History Records to show your payment patterns and highlight the disputed charges. In Maryland, maintaining detailed records of all transactions is crucial for establishing your case.
Review your Service Contract or Agreement
7 days after startingExamine your Service Contract or Agreement to understand the terms you agreed to and identify any provisions related to billing disputes, error resolution, or cancellation policies that may support your case.
Contact the company directly
8 days after startingCall the company's customer service department to explain the issue. Maryland law encourages consumers to attempt direct resolution first. Take detailed notes of the conversation including the date, time, representative's name, and what was discussed. Request a reference or confirmation number for the call.
Create Proof of Communication records
9 days after startingDocument all interactions with the company regarding your dispute. This should include dates, times, names of representatives, summaries of conversations, and any reference numbers provided. Maryland courts may consider your good-faith efforts to resolve the issue directly.
Draft a Billing Dispute Letter
10 days after startingWrite a formal dispute letter to the company that includes your account information, details of the disputed charge, why you believe it's incorrect, copies of supporting documentation, and a clear request for resolution. Under Maryland law, this written notice is often required to preserve your rights in billing disputes.
Send your dispute letter via certified mail
12 days after startingMail your dispute letter with return receipt requested to the company's designated billing disputes address. In Maryland, certified mail provides legal proof of your dispute notification. Keep the Certified Mail Receipt as evidence of your timely notification.
Complete a Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form (if applicable)
14 days after startingFor credit card billing disputes, complete the Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form. Under federal law (which applies in Maryland), you must submit this within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. Include copies of supporting documentation.
File a complaint with the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation
45 days after startingIf the company doesn't respond within 30 days or provides an unsatisfactory response, file a Consumer Complaint Form with the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. This state agency regulates financial service providers and can mediate billing disputes.
File a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
50 days after startingThe Maryland Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices. File a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division if you believe the billing issue involves deceptive practices. Their mediation services are free to Maryland residents.
Consider small claims court
60 days after startingIf other resolution attempts fail, prepare to file in Maryland small claims court for disputes up to $5,000. Maryland District Courts handle small claims cases. You'll need to complete a Small Claims Court Complaint form and pay the filing fee (approximately $30-$45 depending on the amount in dispute). Self-representation is common in small claims court.
File your small claims case
65 days after startingFile your completed Small Claims Court Complaint with the appropriate Maryland District Court in the county where the company does business or where the transaction occurred. Pay the filing fee and arrange for service of process on the company according to Maryland rules.
Prepare for your court hearing
80 days after startingOrganize all your documentation chronologically, prepare a concise explanation of your dispute, and be ready to present your case clearly. In Maryland small claims court, the rules of evidence are relaxed, but you still need to prove your case by a preponderance of evidence.
Attend your court hearing
90 days after startingArrive early to your scheduled hearing with all your documentation. Present your case clearly and respectfully. Answer the judge's questions directly. Maryland small claims hearings are typically informal but follow basic court procedures.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review and document the billing issue | Carefully review your bill to identify the specific error or dispute. Document the exact amount in question, when you noticed the issue, and why you believe it's incorrect. Take screenshots or make copies of the bill showing the disputed charges. | - | 1 |
| Gather supporting documentation | Collect all relevant documents that support your position, including previous bills, payment receipts, service agreements, and any communications with the company about the services or products in question. | - | 3 |
| Compile Account Statement and Payment History | Organize your Account Statement and Payment History Records to show your payment patterns and highlight the disputed charges. In Maryland, maintaining detailed records of all transactions is crucial for establishing your case. | - | 5 |
| Review your Service Contract or Agreement | Examine your Service Contract or Agreement to understand the terms you agreed to and identify any provisions related to billing disputes, error resolution, or cancellation policies that may support your case. | - | 7 |
| Contact the company directly | Call the company's customer service department to explain the issue. Maryland law encourages consumers to attempt direct resolution first. Take detailed notes of the conversation including the date, time, representative's name, and what was discussed. Request a reference or confirmation number for the call. | - | 8 |
| Create Proof of Communication records | Document all interactions with the company regarding your dispute. This should include dates, times, names of representatives, summaries of conversations, and any reference numbers provided. Maryland courts may consider your good-faith efforts to resolve the issue directly. | Proof of Communication | 9 |
| Draft a Billing Dispute Letter | Write a formal dispute letter to the company that includes your account information, details of the disputed charge, why you believe it's incorrect, copies of supporting documentation, and a clear request for resolution. Under Maryland law, this written notice is often required to preserve your rights in billing disputes. | Billing Dispute Letter | 10 |
| Send your dispute letter via certified mail | Mail your dispute letter with return receipt requested to the company's designated billing disputes address. In Maryland, certified mail provides legal proof of your dispute notification. Keep the Certified Mail Receipt as evidence of your timely notification. | - | 12 |
| Complete a Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form (if applicable) | For credit card billing disputes, complete the Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form. Under federal law (which applies in Maryland), you must submit this within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. Include copies of supporting documentation. | Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form | 14 |
| File a complaint with the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation | If the company doesn't respond within 30 days or provides an unsatisfactory response, file a Consumer Complaint Form with the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. This state agency regulates financial service providers and can mediate billing disputes. | Consumer Complaint Form | 45 |
| File a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division | The Maryland Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices. File a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division if you believe the billing issue involves deceptive practices. Their mediation services are free to Maryland residents. | - | 50 |
| Consider small claims court | If other resolution attempts fail, prepare to file in Maryland small claims court for disputes up to $5,000. Maryland District Courts handle small claims cases. You'll need to complete a Small Claims Court Complaint form and pay the filing fee (approximately $30-$45 depending on the amount in dispute). Self-representation is common in small claims court. | Small Claims Court Complaint | 60 |
| File your small claims case | File your completed Small Claims Court Complaint with the appropriate Maryland District Court in the county where the company does business or where the transaction occurred. Pay the filing fee and arrange for service of process on the company according to Maryland rules. | - | 65 |
| Prepare for your court hearing | Organize all your documentation chronologically, prepare a concise explanation of your dispute, and be ready to present your case clearly. In Maryland small claims court, the rules of evidence are relaxed, but you still need to prove your case by a preponderance of evidence. | - | 80 |
| Attend your court hearing | Arrive early to your scheduled hearing with all your documentation. Present your case clearly and respectfully. Answer the judge's questions directly. Maryland small claims hearings are typically informal but follow basic court procedures. | - | 90 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to contact the service provider or merchant directly. Write a formal dispute letter that includes your account information, details about the disputed charge, and why you believe it's incorrect. Send this via certified mail with return receipt requested to create documentation of your dispute. Keep copies of all correspondence and note the dates and names of anyone you speak with about the issue.
Yes, there are time limitations. For credit card billing errors, under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you must dispute within 60 days of the statement containing the error. For medical bills, you typically have 30-180 days depending on the provider. For utility bills, Maryland regulations generally require disputes to be filed within 7 days of receiving the bill. Acting promptly is essential to preserve your rights.
For credit card disputes, you can withhold payment on the disputed amount (not the entire bill) while the investigation is pending. For utility bills, Maryland law allows you to withhold payment only for the disputed portion while continuing to pay the undisputed amount. For other types of bills, withholding payment could result in late fees or collection actions, so it's generally advisable to pay the undisputed portion while the dispute is being resolved.
The Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation can assist with disputes involving financial institutions. The Maryland Public Service Commission handles utility bill disputes. The Maryland Insurance Administration can help with insurance billing issues. The Maryland Health Education and Advocacy Unit assists with medical bill disputes. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division can help with most other consumer billing disputes.
First, request an itemized bill and review it carefully for errors. Contact the provider's billing department to discuss discrepancies. If unresolved, file a complaint with your insurance company. Maryland residents can also seek assistance from the Health Education and Advocacy Unit (HEAU) of the Maryland Attorney General's Office, which offers free mediation services for medical billing disputes. For billing practices you believe are deceptive, file a complaint with the Maryland Consumer Protection Division.
Keep copies of the original bill, all correspondence related to the dispute (letters, emails), proof of any payments made, notes from phone conversations (including date, time, and the name of the representative), delivery confirmations for any mailed disputes, any contracts or service agreements, and relevant receipts or proof of services. Maryland courts will require substantial documentation if your dispute escalates to legal action.
Yes, you can still dispute a bill after it's been sent to collections. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you have 30 days from your first contact with the collection agency to dispute the debt in writing. The collection agency must then verify the debt before continuing collection efforts. In Maryland, you can also file a complaint with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation if you believe the debt collector is acting improperly.
Maryland law provides specific protections for utility customers. You have the right to dispute any bill within 7 days of receipt. The utility company cannot disconnect service while a legitimate dispute is pending. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) regulations require utilities to investigate all disputes and provide written responses. If you're unsatisfied with the utility's response, you can file a complaint with the PSC, which will conduct an independent investigation.
If informal dispute resolution fails, you can file a case in Maryland District Court if the amount is under $30,000. For smaller disputes (under $5,000), you can use Maryland's small claims court, which has simplified procedures. Before filing, send a final demand letter giving the business one last chance to resolve the issue. Maryland also allows for alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation through the District Court's Alternative Dispute Resolution Office, which can be less costly than litigation.