Dear Mary:

Deadlines to file real property tax appeals are quickly approaching:

OHIO

Ohio property taxpayers have until April 1, 2024 to contest their 2023 tax year (pay 2024) commercial real estate tax assessments.

Your tax assessment should reflect what you could sell your property for in January 2023. Multiple factors should be considered before initiating an appeal, including the tax district, local review board, and assessment law. A reminder that Ohio law now allows certain commercial property tenants to contest tax assessments in their own name, where previously it had to be done in the name of the landlord. 

Please contact Victor Anselmo at (216) 763-1004 or [email protected] with questions.

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny County property owners who believe their real estate has been overvalued by the assessor have until March 31, 2024 to file an appeal to seek a lower valuation. This complaint would challenge the assessor's 2024 tax year valuation. Further, anyone who has received notice that a school district is attempting to increase their assessment should contact us to defend. For tax year 2024, the assessment-to-market-value ratio has dropped significantly in Allegheny County, which is leading to more appeal opportunities than typical.

Please contact Sharon DiPaolo at (412) 486-2848 or [email protected] with questions.

ILLINOIS

Deadlines are rolling throughout the year, but the valuation date is 1/1/2024, with properties reassessed every 3-4 years. All properties outside of Cook County were reassessed in 2023. All properties in Chicago are being reassessed in 2024. Regardless of reassessment, we review each property every year to determine if an appeal is warranted. With increases in interest rates and uncertainty in the market, we can provide significant savings for many properties, even when properties have been previously appealed.

Please contact Molly Phelan (312) 619-3550 or [email protected] with questions.

ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

Together with our National Practice group and the assistance of our American Property Tax Counsel (APTC) partners, we can also review real estate tax assessments throughout the U.S. and Canada. APTC consists of over 100 recognized property tax attorneys in their markets. With APTC, we can provide local, tailored guidance on real estate valuations in 43 states and every major North American market.

Please contact Brendan Kelly at (412) 486-2848 or [email protected] with questions.

The Siegel Jennings team continues to fight for fair taxation for all property owners and taxpayers.