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Will Legislation Stop the Reassessments?

In April 2012, the Pennsylvania House passed a bill calling for a moratorium on court-ordered reassessments. We explained why it should not, and likely would not, stop Allegheny County's reassessment.

Why 2010 Was Ripe for Allegheny County Property Assessment Appeals

In 2010, Allegheny County owners could argue their appeal using either the 2002 base year or current market value. Here is how that worked, and why we urged owners to act before the 2012 reassessment.

The Fix Is In on Under-Assessed Properties

In 2012, our review of new Allegheny County assessments found most recent buyers in affluent communities assessed below what they paid. Here is what we saw and why it mattered.

The Allegheny County Reassessments Are Coming

As of July 2010, Allegheny County planned to reassess roughly 580,000 properties. Here is what owners expected then and why many planned to appeal.

Status Update on Allegheny County Assessment Appeals

In September 2012, formal assessment hearings were in full swing in Allegheny County. Here is where things stood, and two mistakes we saw owners make again and again.

Results of Allegheny County Informal Hearings Released

In August 2012, Allegheny County released results from the informal reassessment appeals: about 47% of homeowners and 70% of commercial owners won reductions.

Preempting the 2012 Allegheny County Reassessment Could Save You Thousands

In early 2011, we explained why some Allegheny County owners could benefit from appealing before the 2012 reassessment took effect. Here is that strategy and the lessons that still apply.

How to Defend 2012 & 2013 PA School Property Tax Appeals

In 2012, school districts were appealing assessments of recently sold homes. These are the ten tips we gave owners then, and the lessons that still hold up.

How Much Is My Property Worth in an Allegheny County Assessment?

Your tax bill starts with your assessed value. Here is how market value, the base year and the three appraisal approaches shape that number.

Defending PA School Property Tax Appeals: Should You Let the District In?

If a school district has appealed your assessment, it may ask to come onto your property or into your home. Here is what to think about before you answer.

Allegheny County Sued Over Property Reassessments (Again)

In February 2010, homeowners sued Allegheny County, the City and two school districts seeking refunds after the 2002 base year was ruled unconstitutional. We agreed in principle but doubted refunds would follow.

Allegheny County Reassessment Update: June 2012

By June 2012, more than 68,000 informal and 100,000 formal appeals had been filed in Allegheny County's reassessment. Here is where hearings stood and what the court required.

Allegheny County Property Assessment Tips for 2021 Tax Appeals

For 2021, Allegheny County moved first-level assessment hearings to the telephone and set strict evidence rules. Here is what the County required that year.

Allegheny County Ignores Appeal Results and Sends Wrong Tax Bills

In March 2013, many Allegheny County owners who had won assessment appeals received tax bills at their old, higher values. Here is why, and the options we gave clients.

Allegheny County Fires 2012 Reassessment Workers

In late 2010, reports revealed that some workers collecting data for Allegheny County's 2012 reassessment had licensing problems. Here is what happened and why it mattered.

Allegheny County Cracks Down on Charitable Tax-Exempt Properties

In early 2013, the County challenged more than 2,800 property tax exemptions and the City of Pittsburgh targeted UPMC. Here is how Pennsylvania's charity test applied.

2013 Allegheny County Assessment Updates

In January 2013, as new values took effect, Allegheny County, the City and Pittsburgh Public Schools proposed lower millage rates. A second appeal window was proposed, and owners filed a class action.

2012 Allegheny County Tax Assessments on Schedule Despite Problems

As of December 2010, Allegheny County said its court-ordered reassessment was on schedule, despite fired assessors and equipment problems. Here is where things stood.

Top 10 Mistakes Made By Property Owners in Allegheny Property Tax Appeals

We've outlined the top 10 mistakes made by property owners in their property tax appeal: to keep you from hurting your chances of winning your hearing and ge

Advice for Defending and Winning PA School Property Tax Appeals

Have a PA School Property Tax Appeal Hearing coming up? Not sure how to prepare, or what to do? Here is some basic information from Flaherty & Fardo.

What Did the 2002 Base Year Mean for Allegheny County Property Tax Appeals?

Everyone knows the property tax assessment system - notably in Allegheny County - is broken and unfair. Properties are often overvalued for a variety of reas

Why is the School District Appealing my Property Assessment?

Since 2004, School Districts have been aggressively filing property appeals against property owners. Their target has primarily been recent home buyers.

What Happens at the Allegheny County Board of Viewer (BOV) hearing?

It is a long wait and almost always means there will be multiple years at issue by the time the case is finally called. Learn how to navigate this stressful

Significant Change Proposed by Councilman Ed Kress, Board of Viewers Filing Fee Increases

This article will provide readers with the latest updates in the Allegheny County assessment appeals process.

Should You Answer the Allegheny County Questionnaire?

Allegheny County is notorious for its messy property tax policies. When it’s time for property assessments in Allegheny County, property owners are placed un

Property Assessment Updates From Allegheny County & Washington County

This article will provide readers with the latest updates from both the Washington and Allegheny County assessment of property taxes.

How to Defend 2011 Property Tax Appeals in Allegheny County.

While buying a home in Allegheny County has a variety of perks, it’s no secret that the Allegheny County Tax Assessment system is a mess. Here are two tips

Do I Need an Appraisal for my Allegheny Property Tax Appeal?

A common question from our clients is whether or not they need an appraisal for their Allegheny County property tax assessment appeal. The not-so-simple answ

COVID-19 Can't Stop the Allegheny County Tax Appeal Deadline

COVID-19 Does Not Stop the 2020 Allegheny County Tax Appeal Deadline of March 31, 2020 Despite Residents Urging For an Extension

Allegheny County Assessment Updates - December 2020

It is easy to understand why commercial property tax appeals in Allegheny County are expected to skyrocket in 2021. The pandemic has caused an unprecedented

Allegheny County Tax Assessment Chaos

With the way Allegheny County has handled its recent tax assessments, something has to change soon, and we have the solutions.

What is the Difference Between an Informal Hearing and a Formal Appeal Hearing?

Breaking down the difference between formal, and informal Allegheny county tax appeal hearings and what you can expect from each.

New Allegheny County Assessment Website is a Nightmare for Taxpayers

Allegheny County’s new website for the release of the 2012 Allegheny County property reassessment values will prove frustrating and more difficult for proper

2012 Allegheny County Tax Assessments to Continue Despite Fitzgerald Controversy

While the drama continues, the Allegheny County Tax Assessment experts, Flaherty & Fardo, are here to keep you filled in on all the latest happenings.

Extension Announced on Allegheny County Tax Assessment in Certain Areas

Allegheny County has announced that the property tax assessment formal appeal deadline for the City of Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver has been extended from Feb

September 3, 2025

Judge Denies Request to Lower Assessments

Judge R. Stanton Wettick has denied a request to automatically lower hundreds of thousands of property assessments. Here is what happened.

September 3, 2025

How Do I Defend a PA School Property Tax Assessment Appeal?

A: By being more prepared and understanding the rules of evidence and law. The school districts of Allegheny County are now filing 2010 assessment appeals ag

August 22, 2025

Judge Wettick Denies Appraisals as Absolute for Property Assessments

This article will provide readers with the latest updates concerning the Allegheny County property assessments.

August 20, 2025

“Scent of a Fitzgerald:” Decision-making in the Allegheny County Tax Assessments

What is best for Allegheny County residents? The Allegheny County Tax Assessment experts - Flaherty & Fardo - weigh in.

August 20, 2025

Videos

Podcasts

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Allegheny Country Property Assessments - But Were Afraid to Ask

Property tax attorney and partner Nicole Amick discussed the current state of property tax assessments and appeals in Allegheny County.

February 28, 2026

The Reassessment is Coming for Allegheny County!

It's happening and it's coming for YOUR property! Pittsburgh Public Schools have sued Allegheny County to trigger a countywide property reassessment.

April 21, 2024

Bill Rogel Wins Motion For Allegheny County Taxpayers

We discuss a recent case involving an Allegheny County School District's motion to prevent property owners from continuing 2023 appeals

February 3, 2024

Why You Need to Appeal Your Allegheny County Property Taxes NOW

Property tax attorney Nicole Amick talks about why right now may be the best time to appeal your Allegheny County property taxes

January 15, 2024

Allegheny County Tax Reassessment Changing Again!

If you are a property owner in Allegheny County you need to hear this episode!

May 31, 2023

HOT NEWS! Allegheny County Property Assessments - May 2023 UPDATES

The latest news about the state of property assessments in Allegheny County with Partners Nicole Hauptman Amick and Bill Rogel.

May 8, 2023

Yes It's TRUE! 2022 & 2023 Allegheny County Tax Appeals Are Open!

The appeal period for 2022 has officially reopened. That means we can help you appeal both 2022 and 2023 tax assessments.

February 8, 2023

The Best Legal Movies of ALL Time - PART 2

Our legal movie game show! Play along with us!

December 14, 2022

Tax Appeals for Dummies. The Best Tax Appeal Episode Ever in Allegheny County to Help You Lower Property Taxes. (W/ BREAKING ASSESSMENT NEWS!)

Part 2 of our Tax Appeals series, this episode is NOT for Dummies, but does explain in the simplest terms the entire tax appeal process in Allegheny C