What a crazy week!  Bracing for the long haul, PHCA staff researched, collected, and made copies of forms.  We studied up, attended informational meetings, took notes, and got ready.

And yesterday, to everyone’s relief, the powers that be said, “Never mind”.  Here, from the Allegheny County website:

Effective January 5, 2012, Allegheny County has certified the 2011 assessed values for use countywide for taxation purposes.  This means that the property values will remain at the 2002 base-year value adjusted for any new construction and appeals, as is done each year.  At this time Informal reviews will not be rescheduled.

The market values released for the City of Pittsburgh and Mt. Oliver are not being used.  Property owners who have scheduled an informal hearing that has not yet been conducted will have that hearing canceled.

If you have problems or concerns related to your 2011 value, file for a formal appeal on or before March 31.  If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Property Assessments at 412-350-4600 or opa@alleghenycounty.us.

We should note that according to an article in the Post-Gazette, “Mayor Luke Ravenstahl…encouraged city residents to continue filing formal appeals if they think their new assessment is incorrect in case the court overturns Mr. Fitzgerald’s action.”

Filing for a formal appeal is simple, just fill out this form and mail it in.  We also have copies of this form at the PHCA office.  If the action stands, you will have to cancel the appeal in writing.

Let’s hope it stands…this has been a stressful week for Pittsburgh property owners.

(Above:  At the property tax reassessment public meeting at the Stephen Foster Center in Lawrenceville, January 3.  Photo by Leslie Clague for the PHCA)