Pennsylvania Property Tax Appeal at a Glance
Governing Statute
53 Pa. Stat. § 8855; 72 P.S. § 5020-518.1 — Assessment Appeal to County Board of Assessment Appeals
Appeal Deadline
You have 40 days from date of assessment change notice (annual deadline varies by county, typically August 1-September 1) to file your appeal.
Appeal Body
File your appeal with the County Board of Assessment Appeals.
Appeal levels: County Board of Assessment Appeals, Court of Common Pleas, Commonwealth Court
Assessment Standard
actual value (fair market value)
Equalization ratio: varies by county (common level ratio applied)
Key Facts
- Assessment frequency: varies by county (no statewide mandate; many counties have not reassessed in decades)
- Filing fee: varies by county ($5-$50)
- Exemptions: homestead/farmstead ($18,000 max in Philadelphia), disabled veteran, senior (Act 77 property tax rebate)
What Your Pennsylvania Appeal Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Pennsylvania's actual appeal procedure — not a generic template.
Statute Citation
53 Pa. Stat. § 8855; 72 P.S. § 5020-518.1 cited by section number. The assessor sees you know the law.
Appeal Procedure
Correct filing body (County Board of Assessment Appeals), deadline, and procedural requirements for Pennsylvania.
Evidence Framework
Structured presentation of comparable sales, property conditions, and market data supporting your valuation.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. File it with the County Board of Assessment Appeals. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Pennsylvania Property Tax Appeal FAQ
How do I appeal my property tax assessment in Pennsylvania?
Under 53 Pa. Stat. § 8855; 72 P.S. § 5020-518.1, you file an appeal with the County Board of Assessment Appeals. You have 40 days from date of assessment change notice (annual deadline varies by county, typically August 1-September 1) to file. The assessment standard is actual value (fair market value).
What is the deadline to appeal property taxes in Pennsylvania?
You have 40 days from date of assessment change notice (annual deadline varies by county, typically August 1-September 1). Missing this deadline typically means you cannot appeal until the next assessment cycle.
What is the assessment standard in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania assesses property at actual value (fair market value). The equalization ratio is varies by county (common level ratio applied). Your appeal should demonstrate that the assessed value exceeds the property's true value under this standard.
What property tax exemptions are available in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers several exemptions including: homestead/farmstead ($18,000 max in Philadelphia), disabled veteran, senior (Act 77 property tax rebate). Check with your county assessor to see if you qualify for any of these exemptions.
What are the levels of appeal in Pennsylvania?
The appeal levels in Pennsylvania are: County Board of Assessment Appeals, Court of Common Pleas, Commonwealth Court. Most disputes are resolved at the first level. If not, you can escalate to higher bodies.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal my property taxes in Pennsylvania?
No. Property owners can file appeals themselves. Our tool generates a Pennsylvania-specific appeal letter citing 53 Pa. Stat. § 8855; 72 P.S. § 5020-518.1 with your property details, comparable sales, and the correct appeal procedure.
Property Tax Appeal Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific appeal procedures and generate your letter.