Tax Appeal - Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA

[Michael D.]

Would anybody refer me to an attorney would could help me with a simple tax appeal in Pittsburgh?

Does anybody have any thoughts on that process, what I should do, and what my chances for success are?

I'm about to get into contract on a property assessed at $100k, but I'm only paying $50k for it (this is a fair ARV. No major repairs required).

So unless I can have it reassessed, I'll be paying double the tax that I ought to be.

One immediate question: I know that I'll need an appraisal for the appeal, but should I get that now while in contract, or wait until after I close?

Thanks!

[Jerry Kisasonak]

Michael,
April 1st was the last day to file an appeal for 2013.

http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/opa/aforms.aspx

As far as I know, you'll have to wait until they open back up the enrollment, which I believe will be January 2014.

If you plan to get an appraisal, I would wait until after close to avoid the risk (I've had plenty of deals fall apart at the 11th hour).

I know alot of investors who have used Jim Uhler to do their appeals. His contact info can be found here:

http://www.990sellshomes.net/

I believe he only charges half of what you save in taxes for the first year. And, of course, that's only if he wins your appeal.

Are you planning to buy multiple properties in Pittsburgh?