Philadelphia Real Estate Tax Law.
From an attorney nerding out on real estate tax issues since 2012.
I became interested in real estate tax issues in Philadelphia when I started working in the Tax Unit of the Philadelphia Office of the City Solicitor, where I represented the City and School District of Philadelphia in property tax assessment appeals. During my time with the City, Philadelphia overhauled its real estate tax system by way of the Actual Value Initiative. Seeing the changes in the system, the issues which spurred such changes, and the consequent effects to taxpayers instilled in me a longstanding fascination with all things Philadelphia real estate tax.
Whether you’re a residential owner-occupant, tenant, developer, or small business owner, this site will have information that can benefit you.
Areas of Practice
Tax Assessment Appeals.
I am presently the only practicing property tax attorney who has sat on the Philadelphia Board of Revision of Taxes and thus has experience hearing assessment appeals and determining property values and applying exemptions and abatements. Notably, while at the City, I handled tax assessment appeals at the administrative level, before the trial court, and on appeal to the Commonwealth Court representing the City and School District of Philadelphia. Now, I apply that experience to obtain results for taxpayers.
General Real Estate Litigation.
I have tried neighbors’ property line disputes, condominium assessment challenges, foreclosure and collection actions, and general breach of contract cases, including where a plaintiff seeks to pierce a developer’s corporate veil to reach the pockets of its owners/managers. I have also challenged assessments by the City of Philadelphia as unconstitutional spot reassessments through miscellaneous litigation and negotiated Act 135 settlements.
Lease Negotiation and Drafting.
In my recent role as in-house counsel with a small developer, I negotiated and drafted lease agreements with private landlords and governmental entities. Building trust and ensuring all parties feel that they have come out of negotiations having secured a win is key, as is a keen eye for detail regarding the language of the document. Relatedly, I have also drafted numerous settlement documents in the course of litigation.