Just went through this here in NEPA. The county reassessed in 08 or 09. And the taxes went up from 516.00 to 1300. Its 13 acres, unimproved,no house, shed, or access.
We closed on it early this year, so the previous owners did not appeal, as they where retired, and too busy trying to fight the tax increase on the resident property.
The appeal process is in front of a board, they can either be in a good mood or a bad mood,so you neverknow how the outcome will be. My approach was to get a certified appraisal first, as the board will likely give you credit from a baord certified realtor assesser, besides they do thorough job on the appraisal and are likely to weigh in your favor if you are paying them. Then go to the clean and green as that amount is set in stone as a percentage I think. (I missed the clean and green deadline this year).
My appraisal costs 300.00 and was board certified, it showed like property values and used them to justify the appaisal,all printed on 8X14 sheets with color photos. My 13 acres was county assessed at 90k, the appaisal value came up with 61K, I payed 60K.
I spoke in front of the board and referenced the appaisal,and interated that at the time the county reassed the value, the reality market was at its peak, but this was due by fraudulent banking, realitors,and lenders,falsly increasing property vales,and PROVEN by the US congress. I found creditable information online from the FBI investigation on years 2009 and 2010 which I showed the board and it clearly identified PA as being in the top 10 states under investigation.
Anyway, I got my new taxes inthe mail last week and they dropped by 1/3rd. Now I have to do the clean and green for the fixed discount.
I believe the appraisal was the big hitter as the board fell right in line with that amount or slightly over it by 9 percent. Otherwise it would have been another bleeding heart story,and I am sure they here them daily with little remorse.
Build your case, and appeal,there is a deadline though for the year, as the board will here cases in the fall, well past the clean and green deadline, so you'll wanna do it now if ya can, so you can clean and green next summer. Otherwise, if you go clean and green first,they may not be as forgiving as you will be already recieving a reduction.
There was a fee of 100.00 dollars to appeal, (50.00 per deed)I have two 6.5 acre tracts side by side. I feel they should have been returned after proving my case and winning, but then again,this is Pennsylvania,and there are plenty of crooks here in the county countyhouse.
They have arrest 34 courthouse employees over the past 4 years, starting with these two judges
Pennsylvania rocked by 'jailing kids for cash' scandal - CNN
Do your homework, have solid evidence and supporting documents from reputable references and you will reduce your taxes! If you are as fed up as I,it really become more of a mission,and you'll be happy with the reward! Otherwise they win and you will just be handing the money over from the next owner, stand up,stand tall and go to bat!
I am personally fed up with the county,I live on the very border of the county line,and we don;t seemuch of any improvments, let alone a snow plow. Screw em!
