SKCP news, Septmeber 16th - September 22nd
South Kensington Community Partners
Property Tax Assessment Appeal Tips
Here are some key takeaways from our Regional NAC meeting this past Tuesday on Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment featuring Jonathan Sgro, from Community Legal Services.
If you believe your property value reassessment is incorrect here are some things you can do:
1. Request a “First Level Review” with the Office of Property Assessment, and filing an appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes by Friday, October 14, 2022 (extended deadline).
2. Property owners can also submit a formal appeal to the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT). The deadline for filing a formal appeal is Monday, October 3, 2022. The BRT appeal deadline is established by state law and remains unchanged.
For BRT appeals CLS recommends that you:
Email the form for faster processing.
Request an oral hearing which gives you a better opportunity to make your case.
Some appeal arguments Dos and Don'ts:
+ Do not say you taxes are “too high” or “unaffordable”
+ Do not say that the increase was "too much"
Some GOOD arguments include:
+ My property is overassessed based on a private appraisals or comparable sales data.
+ Your property “Condition Code” which is usually based on exterior condition is incorrect. For example if your property is listed as "Above Average" you can use photographs of exterior and major systems in house, and/or estimates of repair costs from contracts to help make the case that your condition should be "Average" or lower.
3. Community Legal Services will be providing help with a number of tax appeal assessments cases FREE of charge (depending on your qualifications and their resources). Please reach out to CLS directly for more info at 215-981-3700.
Additional Programs That Can Help You Save On Your Property Tax Bill
Homestead Exemption:
If you own your primary residence, you are eligible for the Homestead Exemption on your Real Estate Tax. The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value. With this exemption, the property’s assessed value is reduced by $80,000. Most homeowners will save about $1,119 a year on their Real Estate Tax bill starting in 2023.
LOOP
The Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP) is a Real Estate Tax relief program for eligible homeowners whose property assessments (after the Homestead Exemption) increased by 50%, or more, from last year. Participants must also fall within income limits, and meet length of home ownership requirements.
Senior Freeze
The Senior Citizen Property Tax Freeze program enables eligible seniors to prevent increases in their real estate taxes in the future. To be eligible your income must be $33,500 or less for a single person or $41,500 for a married couple.
Do You Want Trees On Your Block?
Old/South Kensington Tree Tenders are taking applications for trees to be planted in Spring 2023
HOW TO APPLY:
Make a request online here or in Spanish: (Just select Old/South Kensington Tree Tenders from the pull down menu.)
or click here for a paper application
or email greening@southkensingtoncommunity.org or call/text 215-370-0099 with questions or assistance in applying
At the heart of SKCP's tree program is the work of the Old/South Kensington Tree Tenders which includes neighbors who have been trained by our partners at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) in the biology, care, and planting of trees. OSK Tree Tenders have planted hundreds of trees throughout the neighborhood and advocate year round for tree canopy and a thoughtfully planted neighborhood scaled urban forest that benefits everyone.
This virtual, four-part program will take place via Zoom on Thursdays beginning September 22 through October 13. Each session runs from 6 - 8 pm, which totals eight hours of training.
September 22
September 29
October 6
October 13
Students will also be asked to choose one of the following optional hands-on Outdoor Workshops for in-person training:
Saturday, October 15, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Woodlands Cemetery and Arboretum, Philadelphia
Sunday, October 16 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Norristown Farm Park, Norristown (Montgomery County)
Scholarships available from PHS and from OSKTT for those interest in participating in neighborhood tree care/outreach, contact: greening@southkensingtoncommunity.org
Click here to register
The SKCP NAC team will be joining Movie Night this Monday at Benson Park (1442 North 4th Street.) Be sure to stop by our Mobile Help Desk to say hello and also get information on the latest housing and community development resources.