York, PA -- Paying too much for property taxes? Challenge it.

Trying to Lower Your Property Taxes?

That's the course of action taken by some property owners who believe their home's value may have dropped since the last countywide assessment in 2004.

In 2009, there were more than 360 property appeals in York County that were not dropped or settled. Those cases resulted in a countywide decrease of $34.4 million in assessed value, according to a York Daily Record report.

Q: What does 'assessed value' mean?

A: Assessed value is the fair market value of a real estate parcel the year the last county wide assessment was performed. This number appears on both the spring tax bill and the summer tax bill that each property owner receives.

Q: Of all of the appeals, what is the average reduction in assessed value?

A: The range of reductions obtained is between 10 percent and 50 percent. Where each property falls within that range depends on numerous factors including location of home, size of home, age of home, etc.

Q: In an appeal, is an appraisal report necessary if using comparable assessed properties as justification?

A: An appraisal is essential to the process. Other assessed values are not considered.

Q: How do I establish current market value for my property?

A: The best advice we can give you is to hire a competent attorney and appraiser to establish the current market value for your property. Make sure to check their credentials and expertise in the field of real estate tax assessment appeals.

Q: What is the deadline to file an appeal?

A: The deadline for filing a tax assessment appeal for residential or commercial property in York County is July 1, 2012.