The savings may vary. It depends on what the fair market value of your property is compared to the assessed market value and what the assessor and county board make on their final decision. Savings average between 15% to 30%. In some cases the average savings on the annual tax were higher.
Alan Mege
We received correspondence in the mail relative to representing us for a tax assessment appeal. After looking into it, we decided to proceed. We received regular communications through the process. Very little was needed from us, and in the end, we wound up with an annual reduction of nearly $3,000.
John Donaldson
We have used Appleton Chase & Cohen for two real estate tax appeals (2012 and 2019). Both were successful. In both cases the service was provided efficiently with a minimum of involvement by us. The firm handled our matter in a very professional manner. We highly recommend Appleton Chase Cohen & London to anyone seeking to reduce their property tax burden.
Dana Luscombe
I received a notification in the email that they could lower my taxes which I am paying about 11.8K a year. After calling them were polite and professional and after reviewing my taxes said I had a case and the process began which included getting an Appraisal ($450), court date (covered by Appleton Chase) and then got notification that may taxes would be reduced by $1,515 (13%) for the 2020 calendar year.
James Mitchell
My wife and I used the services of Appleton Chase Cohen & London this year after being contacted by them by mail. The process was easy to understand and execute, and ACCL ended up saving us @ $3000.00/year on our taxes.
Robert Wallen
Their service was excellent. They saved me exactly what they quoted on my real estate taxes!
Mark White
Wasn't sure if it was worth appealing the taxes for my condo in Wayne. Appleton was able to get the valuation reduced, saving me $3,300 in annual taxes. Very happy with the service I received.
Shelia Mullett
When my husband and I thought about applying for a property tax reduction we did not know where to start. Once I was in contact with ACCL all my questions/concerns were addressed. The firm took care of everything.
Stephen Teich
Very happy with the reduction in taxes we received. The process was easy. ACCL staff managed everything. No need for personal appearances at court; they acted as surrogates which was a big relief.
T Lieb
Great experience, accl was responsive and easy to work with. These guys kept me up to date on the entire appeal process which I appreciated. All communication by phone and email so it was simple to make time for this. In the end we did have our tax assessment reduced by nice amount. Over time worth the cost
Steve Flowers
We built a custom home in Chester County in 2017. The taxes were overstated and based on the build, rather than market value. I attempted to appeal the taxes last year in my own and was turned down by the board.
Luanne LaRose
ACCL is an amazing team! They are experienced, professional, and extremely prepared when they go before the board to get your taxes lowered. The best part is the fact that they win! If you want to hire an attorney and walk away feeling that you found the perfect one, then ACCL is the one you want!
Angela Nicholas
The process was easy, with little intervention on my part. Taxes were lowered significantly! I highly recommend Appleton Chase Cohen & London.
John Pittman
The process could not have been easier. Yes, there are two up front fees, An appraisal fee, and a court fee. But when they saved us $4,000.00 in taxes, the fees were very small by comparison.
jdcoleman74
This firm did an amazing job for us. Our annual taxes have been reduced by $2,000, and all we had to do was meet with the firm’s appraiser and sign a few forms.
Guy Maestre
At the recommendation of my neighbor, I used ACCL services for reassessing my property taxes. The team very professional, communication was excellent, and above all, they were very successful in securing a very large reduction in my taxes, much higher than I had anticipated. I can only highly recommend them.
Fred Armellini
Worked with ACCL on appealing my county tax assessment after receiving a letter from them in the mail. After a home assessment visit, they setup and took care of the county hearing. My home assessment was reduced by 12%. I am very happy with the result.
James Mitchell
My wife and I used the services of Appleton Chase Cohen & London this year after being contacted by them by mail. The process was easy to understand and execute, and ACCL ended up saving us @ $3000.00/year on our taxes. I highly recommend the service if you feel your property taxes are too high.
Gary Trauger
We used ACCL for our tax assessment appeal and were awarded a 20% reduction on our taxes. The process was professional and informative. There was an upfront cost of a professional appraisal and filing fee.The final cost to ACCL was based on 50% of our first year of tax reduction savings. Overall, we had a good experience and outcome using this firm.
Alp Cagatay
Great service and was able to reduce my taxes about $2,900 a year. I had to spend about $400 out of pocket, but ended up saving close to $3,000 a year for the next couple of years.
Eric Anthony
I received a letter from this "law firm" in April 2018 saying they could save me money by appealing my real estate assessment and that the fee would be 50% of the savings in the first year.
Brian Chen
Great experience。 Highly recommend ACCL for property tax appeal services.
Alfred Fee
Got a letter in the mail called and they took care of everything. Saved me more then I thought. Very happy.
Eric W
Highly professional and experienced advocates. Great customer service. Very easy to work with.
Dario Ferraro
I received a letter in the mail a few months ago regarding that I may be paying $ 2,200.00 more for my taxes and they could help. As I was a little skeptical at first I decided to inquire and am sure glad I did. This was a streamline transaction as I really had to do nothing but get an appraisal.
Spencer Dean
My tax bill seemed to be too high compared to other homes in our township. After receiving a solicitation letter from ACCL, based on helping other homeowners in my development, I contacted them to discuss my bill. ACCL handled the rest! After reviewing to see if I had a valid case for appeal, ACCL moved forward with the appraisal, which was quick and easy, and ACCL handled the hearing for the appeal.
Prakash Devotta
ACCL handled my Tax appeal and got me a reduction in the taxes. The entire team did a job
Brett G
We received information in the mail from ACCL regarding the potential to lower our property taxes in Montgomery County. I was frustrated year after year of seeing newly built homes in our township selling for $200-300K more than ours was worth, while paying less in property taxes than we were.
Joel Shafer
We realized a very nice savings.
John Silknitter
Lowered my tax burden significantly!.
Robert Wallen
Their service was excellent. They saved me exactly what they quoted on my real estate taxes!.
SIGN OUR AGREEMENT
Our team has a thorough understanding of state and local tax law, formal and informal tax procedures and the administrative and judicial appeals process.
Sign Our Contingency AgreementFAQ
How much is your fee?
Our fee is strictly based on our success of getting you a reduction that can last many years. It is 50% of the first year’s tax savings. We do not charge any other fees based on subsequent years’ savings. For example, if we save you $2,400.00 a year in property taxes per year, our fee would be $1,200.00. Your total savings just in 5 years can be $10,800.00
How much is the filing fee?
If it is determined that you are over-assessed and you decide to proceed, the filing fees vary by county. Please see the listing below:
- Berks County: $25
- Bucks County: $50
- Chester County: $25
- Delaware County:$50
- Lehigh County: No filing fee
- Montgomery County: $50
- Northampton County:$35.00
- Philadelphia County: No Fee.
Do I have to get an appraisal?
When filing an appeal, the Board of Assessment completely relies on the expert witness’s testimony and his report. To maximize a reduction, it almost becomes necessary to bring in an expert and a report. However, it is not mandatory to hire an appraiser. The property owner can bring in comparables to the hearing and testify to the values of these comparables. However, it’s been our experience that a reduction will be much less than what an appraiser with a report can get. Let’s keep in mind that comparable sales do not provide an accurate value like an appraisal.
After I sign my contingency agreement, can I cancel my agreement?
Our Signed Our Contingency Agreement can be cancelled by clients until August 1.
Do I have to use the appraiser you refer or can I hire my own?
You are more than welcome to hire your own appraiser. Some suggestions would be to ask that appraiser if they will be willing to attend the hearing and if they will charge you any extra to attend the hearing. The appraisers we work with will attend the hearing at no cost to you. They have included their appearance at the hearing in the cost of the appraisal.
Have you had success in my area?
Appleton Chase Cohen and London has been providing services to property owners in Pennsylvania for over 30 years. We have been successful in multiple counties throughout the state. The process which we use has been one that has yielded many reductions for property owners.
Do you service commercial and industrial properties?
Yes, we have filed many appeals on commercial and industrial properties. The process has some differences then residential, but one of our consultants can assist you with taking the proper steps to reduce your commercial or industrial property taxes.
Is there a deadline to file a property tax appeal?
Some counties have different filing deadlines. Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Northampton and Bucks Counties filing deadline is August 1st. Berks County's filing deadline is August 15th. Philadelphia County’s deadline is 1st Monday in October.
What happens after I sign my agreement?
Upon receiving your signed agreement, we immediately sign your case to an appraiser for a preliminary review. (No cost for this preliminary review) Within a few weeks after that, the appraiser gets back to us with a “overassessed-should be filed” or “Not overassessed- do not file” status. If your property is not overassessed, we would let you know and your signed agreement would be considered “Null and Void”. There would be no need to file an appeal. If your property is overassessed, then we would send you an email requesting your filing fee. You would also get a phone call from the appraiser, to appraise your property. At that point, you are also free to hire your own appraiser as well. (Please make sure they attend the hearing-Not just send you a report)
What are the out of pocket costs and fees?
After our initial preliminary review, If your property is not overassessed, there will be no fees. However, if your property is deemed to have a case, your out of pocket fees will be: Filing fee to your county (Please refer to the list of filing fees above) and the cost of an appraisal. ($450.00- which includes the appraiser’s testimony at the hearing) Of course, as mentioned before, you are also free to hire your own appraiser to come to the hearing.
What is the timeline with my appeal?
Once Once your appeal is filed, there will be a hearing sometime in September or October. We should receive judgments from the counties by late November or early December.
Will I get a copy of my appraisal?
Yes. Your copy will be emailed to you.
Will I have to attend the hearing?
No. Your appraiser will attend the hearing. Your appearance will not be necessary. Unless you’d like to add a few points to the appraiser’s testimony or just simply watch your hearing. In that case, you are more than welcome to attend.
- Berks County: $25
- Bucks County: $50
- Chester County: $25
- Delaware County:$50
- Lehigh County: No filing fee
- Montgomery County: $50
- Northampton County:$35.00
- Philadelphia County: No Fee.
Do I have to get an appraisal?
When filing an appeal, the Board of Assessment completely relies on the expert witness’s testimony and his report. To maximize a reduction, it almost becomes necessary to bring in an expert and a report. However, it is not mandatory to hire an appraiser. The property owner can bring in comparables to the hearing and testify to the values of these comparables. However, it’s been our experience that a reduction will be much less than what an appraiser with a report can get. Let’s keep in mind that comparable sales do not provide an accurate value like an appraisal.
Do I have to use the appraiser you refer or can I hire my own?
You are more than welcome to hire your own appraiser. Some suggestions would be to ask that appraiser if they will be willing to attend the hearing and if they will charge you any extra to attend the hearing. The appraisers we work with will attend the hearing at no cost to you. They have included their appearance at the hearing in the cost of the appraisal.
Have you had success in my area?
Appleton Chase Cohen and London has been providing services to property owners in Pennsylvania for over 30 years. We have been successful in multiple counties throughout the state. The process which we use has been one that has yielded many reductions for property owners.
Do you service commercial and industrial properties?
Yes, we have filed many appeals on commercial and industrial properties. The process has some differences then residential, but one of our consultants can assist you with taking the proper steps to reduce your commercial or industrial property taxes.
Is there a deadline to file a property tax appeal?
Some counties have different filing deadlines. Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Northampton and Bucks Counties filing deadline is August 1st. Berks County's filing deadline is August 15th. Philadelphia County’s deadline is 1st Monday in October.
What happens after I sign my agreement?
Upon receiving your signed agreement, we immediately sign your case to an appraiser for a preliminary review. (No cost for this preliminary review) Within a few weeks after that, the appraiser gets back to us with a “overassessed-should be filed” or “Not overassessed- do not file” status. If your property is not overassessed, we would let you know and your signed agreement would be considered “Null and Void”. There would be no need to file an appeal. If your property is overassessed, then we would send you an email requesting your filing fee. You would also get a phone call from the appraiser, to appraise your property. At that point, you are also free to hire your own appraiser as well. (Please make sure they attend the hearing-Not just send you a report)
What are the out of pocket costs and fees?
After our initial preliminary review, If your property is not overassessed, there will be no fees. However, if your property is deemed to have a case, your out of pocket fees will be: Filing fee to your county (Please refer to the list of filing fees above) and the cost of an appraisal. ($450.00- which includes the appraiser’s testimony at the hearing) Of course, as mentioned before, you are also free to hire your own appraiser to come to the hearing.
What is the timeline with my appeal?
Once your appeal is filed, there will be a hearing sometime in September or October. We should receive judgments from the counties by late November or early December.
Will I get a copy of my appraisal?
Yes. Your copy will be emailed to you.
Will I have to attend the hearing?
No. Your appraiser will attend the hearing. Your appearance will not be necessary. Unless you’d like to add a few points to the appraiser’s testimony or just simply watch your hearing. In that case, you are more than welcome to attend.