Experience appealing property taxes in Wilkes-barre, PA

Investor · Member since 2008 · 41 posts · 8 votes

All,

I am interested in finding anybody with experience in appealing property taxes in Wilkes-barre, PA. To this point my research has turned up the following (1) property assessments in WB are from several years ago, (2) appeal of assessment cannot be made based on current comparables (mainly because the market is so lousy for sales).

It just seems that I am missing something and I would be interested in hearing from people experienced with this particular city.

Bill R.

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Richard Sanderson

Appraiser · Portland, OR · Member since 2012 · 44 posts · 13 votes

13y

Bill:

I'm relatively new to BiggerPockets (BP) but have a lot of experience in tax assessment appeals. I've posted a few things recently to my BP blog and have made comments to a few forum postings that may help you. I urge you to talk to the folks at the assessors office in Wilkes-Barre or the county assessment office who assesses properties in that area. Despite what you may think, most assessors will explain the appeal process and prove helpful. Many Pennsylvania counties haven't been reassessed in 10 to 20 years. I usually don't recommend that you hire an attorney to start. Learn the process yourself and hire an attorney if you can't get satisfaction. Attorney fees and appraisal fees usually outpace tax savings unless several years of taxes on a major assessment are at stake.

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Joel OwensBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
13y
There is a national tax attorney network for appealing taxes. It's good to talk to someone because sometimes if taxes are low already your taxes can actually go up filing an appeal. So it's important to talk to someone about your case and chances of winning.

[/url]http://www.aptcnet.com/pennsylvania-property-tax-representative-directory
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Bill Robinson
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Investor · Member since 2008 · 41 posts · 8 votes
13y
Originally posted by Joel Owens:
There is a national tax attorney network for appealing taxes. It's good to talk to someone because sometimes if taxes are low already your taxes can actually go up filing an appeal. So it's important to talk to someone about your case and chances of winning.
[/url]http://www.aptcnet.com/pennsylvania-property-tax-representative-directory

Joel Owens -- Absolutely. This is an aspect that I recognize as well. Additionally, on the tax appeal forms the city wants me to state whether the property is being rented and for how much. These are decently profitable rentals and I have a concern that the city would look to increase property taxes I am looking to reduce based on rental income.
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Richard Sanderson
Appraiser · Portland, OR · Member since 2012 · 44 posts · 13 votes
13y
Bill:

I'm relatively new to BiggerPockets (BP) but have a lot of experience in tax assessment appeals. I've posted a few things recently to my BP blog and have made comments to a few forum postings that may help you. I urge you to talk to the folks at the assessors office in Wilkes-Barre or the county assessment office who assesses properties in that area. Despite what you may think, most assessors will explain the appeal process and prove helpful. Many Pennsylvania counties haven't been reassessed in 10 to 20 years. I usually don't recommend that you hire an attorney to start. Learn the process yourself and hire an attorney if you can't get satisfaction. Attorney fees and appraisal fees usually outpace tax savings unless several years of taxes on a major assessment are at stake.
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Joel OwensBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
13y
That is why the property tax attorney who tries cases day in and day out in your local area will have a better feel for your chances of winning and if it is worth your time or not.

They usually give a free consult.
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Joel OwensBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
13y
An honest attorney will tell you not to appeal if the benefits do not outweigh the cost.

Yes for a homeowner type appeal you might can go on your own. If you have a ton of a rental properties or own a commercial property where the stakes and outcome is much higher if you make a mistake you might want representation. If you are an appraiser such as Richard then you have an advantage to put a package together to bolster your position. You have to remember many appeals are not won overnight. Some have taken years to win. Assessors know many give up or do not want to put that much time in it to win the case.

I see it here in GA in Fulton county where they are so back logged with appeals people have pending cases for years "still under review".
The boards can then bill higher taxes and then render the cases verdict later on with credits when the market is stronger and the city and counties are not bleeding cash as much. It's government at it's best to borrow that money as long as they can and not perform.
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Richard Sanderson
Appraiser · Portland, OR · Member since 2012 · 44 posts · 13 votes
13y
Bill:

I think Joel makes some good points about the pros of hiring an attorney. I have nothing against attorney's. Just be very sure they are experienced in your state with tax assessment appeals, preferably with your type of property (e.g., multifamily, retail, shopping center, hotel, warehouse, etc.). Each state has a different assessment review and appeal process. In all of the states I've worked in (as an assessor) there have been three steps: (1) an informal request for review of the assessment to the local assessor; (2) an formal appeal to a local appeal board; and (3) a formal appeal to circuit court, tax tribunal, or state revenue commission. It's during the first and second steps of a three step process that I recommend learning the process. At the third step you really do need an attorney and outside independent appraiser.
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Jason W
Real Estate Investor · Warren, NJ · Member since 2010 · 7 posts · 1 vote
13y
Bill, I was told the deadline to file city property tax appeal ?is Sept. 1. I plan to file mine shortly (trying to get the forms).
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Jason W
Real Estate Investor · Warren, NJ · Member since 2010 · 7 posts · 1 vote
13y
Bill, I was told the deadline to file city property tax appeal ?is Sept. 1. I plan to file mine shortly (trying to get the forms).
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