First grab this plugin for 3d Studio MAX . As you create your model keep ALL the files in your path.
Tags are pretty much only for weapons and other custom objects.
Click on the MAXscript button. You can use the browse button to set this. Note these settings are sticky and will be remebered on the next load. Problems and checking the model I definitely recommend getting a hold of NPherno's NMD3 compiler. I have found it an indispensable tool for checking my work.