Alert: Allegheny County Stops Informal Hearings

Originally published January 5, 2012. Updated October 2026.

On January 5, 2012, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald abruptly stopped all informal tax appeal hearings in the County.

What Changed

The informal appeal deadline had been set for January 13, 2012, for all residential and commercial properties in the City of Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver. Judge R. Stanton Wettick, who was overseeing the reassessment, indicated he was willing to let 2012 appeals proceed but not take effect for tax purposes until 2013. He scheduled a status conference for January 10, 2012.

Where Things Stood on January 5, 2012

• It appeared that 2012 taxes would continue to be based on the 2002 base year.
• Owners might still need to file appeals in 2012 to challenge the coming 2013 values.
• City of Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver owners could now set aside the informal deadline, but not the formal appeal deadline of February 10, 2012, which remained in place.

What Happened Next

Read the follow-up: Judge Overrules Fitzgerald, Orders 2012 Assessments to Continue.

What This Means for You Today

• During a reassessment, rules can change overnight. Rely on official notices and current guidance.
• Informal and formal deadlines are different. Missing the formal deadline is usually the bigger problem.
• For current rules, see our tax appeals FAQ and Allegheny County reassessment guide.

Talk to Us

Call 412-802-6666, text 412-855-5511, email info@pghfirm.com, or send us a message.