Assessment appeal services

Allegheny County determines your property tax burden based on an ad valorem assessment of the property's assessed value. Sometimes, as a property owner, you get an unwanted surprise in the mail telling you your taxes are going up, and sometimes it may seem as though your assessment is too high.

Allegheny County Office of Property Assessment determines the assessed value of all properties throughout the county based on a version of an a Mass Appraisal AVM. Upon completion of the Assessment process changes to your tax bill may reflect an unsupported increase in the assessed value of the property.

Often, matters like this can be resolved with a phone call. However, if after discussing your assessment with your local taxing authority or school district you still feel as though your property was overvalued, a professional, independent, third-party appraiser is often your best bet in proving your case. That's where we come in.

There are as many different procedures for appealing assessments as there are property taxing districts, so it's important to enlist the help of a professional appraisal firm that's experienced and trained in the ins and outs of your particular jurisdiction. 

Please note: It makes sense to do your own research before determining whether to go forward with a property assessment appeal, especially before you make the decision to hire a professional appraiser. However, according to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), we are not allowed to take "shortcuts" -- i.e., your research -- and use it on its face as part of our independent evaluation. When you hire us for an assessment appeal, you're commissioning  an independent, third-party professional appraisal report. As such we do our own evaluation, beginning to end. If you're right that your property has been overvalued, an independent report such as ours will be even more persuasive than any other evidence you can marshal on your own. But it depends on our ability to do the work independently.

Sometimes, you will have a hearing on your assessment appeal and will need for the appraiser you've hired to testify on your behalf. Be assured that at Nordquist Appraisal, we are able to professionally and persuasively testify at appeal hearings.  Browse our website to learn more about our qualifications, expertise and services offered. Click the "Property Taxes Too High" button to the right to contact us for assistance. Please note what would be a good time to contact you and preferred method.