Let’s talk about Philadelphia real estate tax issues.
“[A] taxpayer should pay no more or no less than his proportionate share of the cost of government.”
— Deitch Co. v. Bd. of Property Assess., Appeals and Rev. of Allegheny Cnty., 209 A.2d 397, 401 (Pa. 1965)
Reviewing the First Level Review
Ahead of the Monday, 10/7, deadline to file for an appeal of your 2025 real estate tax assessment and to apply for a first level review by the OPA, let's take a closer look at the difference in those two processes.
Philly Mayor’s Reassessment Update
Mayor Cherelle Parker gave a press conference today about the 2025 property tax reassessment. A big takeaway is that residential homeowners’ taxes are expected to go up an average of 19%, with some seeing “significant” increases. Find our more here.
Systemic Flaws
One of my real estate tax cases has revealed what seems to be a serious problem with how the City of Philadelphia implements 10-year tax abatements.
Property Condition Codes (2)
Learn the OPA guidelines for classifying a property as condition code 3 (Above Average) versus 4 (Average) and ambiguities in both that could help you challenge your property’s assessed value.
Reassessment: 2025- Time After Time
The City blew the certification date to publish new assessed values for the 2025 property tax reassessment, but it must still notify taxpayers of new values by the notice date. When is that? Find out.
Reassessment: 2025 (Schrödinger’s Values)
In a “Schrödinger’s cat” situation for tax year 2025 property values, all signs point to reasons to file your appeal with the BRT now.
Property Condition Codes (1)
Learn the OPA guidelines for classifying a property as condition code 2 (Rehab) or 3 (Above Average) and ambiguities that could help you challenge your property’s assessed value.
Much Ado About No Values
The City’s reassessment values are late. Here are some things to consider.
Reassessment: 2025
Will there be a property tax reassessment in Philadelphia for tax year 2025, and, if so, will it be on time? The answers: Yes, and no.
PA Anti-Windfall Provisions
Philadelphia is the sole county in Pennsylvania that may implement unchecked, unlimited backdoor property tax increases through countywide property tax reassessments.
City Tax Windfall Hits Small Biz
Year-over-year jumps in property assessments without adjusting the tax rate to make them revenue neutral may mean trouble for small businesses.
One Property: Two Appeals
Failing to include proper language in commercial leases requiring notification to all interested parties at all levels of a real estate tax appeal may result in financial disaster.