| Appeals |
How do I appeal my assessment?
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Short Answer: You can appeal by completing and filing an assessment appeal form. Answer:
You may make your request for an appeal form by telephone, in writing, or by email. You can also print an appeal form from our web site. It is important to remember that appeal forms must be filed by the first Monday in October or within 30 days after the notice date, whichever is later. To view information on filing appeals go to (http://www.brtweb.phila.gov/) It is also important that the appeal form be completed accurately, indicating the owner’s opinion of market value, mailing address, telephone number, the location of the property being appealed, and the account number (the account number appears on your Notice of Change next to the bar code). You or your agent must sign the appeal. A separate form must be filed for each property being appealed.
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| Appeals |
What happens if I don't agree with the Board's decision?
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Answer:
You may appeal the Board's decision to the Court of Common Pleas within thirty (30) days from the date that appears on the Board's notice of decision.
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| Appeals |
What happens after the hearing?
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Short Answer: The Board deliberates and renders a decision in writing. Answer:
The market value and assessed value may be raised, remain the same, or be lowered. No one should assume that by filing an appeal a reduction will automatically be granted. Usually within thirty (30) days after the hearing, a written notice of the decision of the Board is sent to the property owner by mail. The Board does not notify mortgage companies of the result of the hearing.
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| Appeals |
How do I present evidence to prove market value?
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Answer:The property owner, doing one of the following, can accomplish proving the value: (1) checking the sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood. Comparable sales can be viewed on the OPA web site at http://opa.phila.gov , by going to the property details page and clicking on the "View Comparable Sales" link on the left navigation bar. You may also hire a state certified appraiser to value the appealed property.
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| Appeals |
What happens at the hearing?
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Answer:
The Board of Revision of Taxes presides over the hearing. At the hearing, the burden of proof rests with the property owner. The property owner should introduce evidence, such as:
1. Recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood.
2. Physical condition of your property including any defects that would affect its value.
3. Any locational problem that would impact the property’s value.
4. Any other evidence you consider important and that pertains to the value of your property.
The Board suggests that the taxpayer or a designee be present at the hearing. If you are unable to attend you may appoint someone to appear on your behalf to represent you by completing a notarized Power of Attorney. You may also check the box on the appeal form stating your preference for a non-oral appeal. If you choose to have a non-oral appeal, be sure to forward, in writing, all evidence to substantiate a lower Market Value. You may also have an attorney represent you at the hearing. Attorneys should attach a letter of authorization when filing an appeal on behalf of the property owner. Questions may be asked by the Board of all parties in attendance.
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| Appeals |
What happens if I file an appeal after the deadline has passed?
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Short Answer: The OPA will send you a letter that will let you know that your appeal has been filed untimely. Answer:
You will be instructed to file a Nunc Pro Tunc Petition.
This petition is to explain to the OPA why they should allow you to have a hearing to allow you to file an appeal after the deadline has passed. The OPA will respond to your petition.
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| Appeals |
What happens after I file an assessment appeal?
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Answer: The Office of Property Assessment will schedule a hearing. If you elected to be present at the hearing, the OPA will notify you of your hearing date approximately three (3) weeks prior to your hearing.
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| General |
What is the Board of Revision of Taxes?
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Short Answer: The Board that is responsible for hearing and deciding all property assessment appeals. Answer:
The Board of Revision of Taxes is an independent, seven member board appointed by the Board of Judges of the Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. The Board is required to hear assessment appeals. The 7 person Board only determines the value for a property when there is an appeal.
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| General |
Are there programs available for citizens with special circumstances concerning real estate taxes and assessments?
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Short Answer: Yes Answer:
- To receive information about Senior Citizens Property Tax Rebate forms please call the Mayor's Commission to Service of the Aging at (215) 686-8450.
- To receive information about Philadelphia Senior Citizen Low Income Real Estate Tax Provisions, please call the Philadelphia Revenue Department at (215) 686-6442.
- To receive information about the Installment Payment Program, Contact the Revenue Department at (215) 686-6442.
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| General |
What do I do if I suspect I am a victim of deed fraud?
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Short Answer: Follow the Department of Records guidelines Answer:
If you are the victim of property fraud, please do the following:
1. Obtain a copy of the deed or mortgage in question from the Records Department in Room 154, City Hall. Written requests should be sent to: Records Department, Room 154, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Attn: Supervisor. You may also access the information on-line. To apply for this service, go to: http://philadox.phila.gov/picris/splash.jsp
2. Notify the District Attorney's Office, Economic Crime Unit at 215-686-9902.
3. Obtain the services of a real estate lawyer AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Contact the Lawyer's Referral and
Information Services of the Philadelphia Bar Association at 215-238-6333.
More information is available at: http://www.phila.gov/records/DocumentRecording/Deeds.html
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