Should I contest our property tax appeal? (Homestead: homes, neighborhoods)

[sealie]

He's sold me. I don't think I should have to fund PAT any more, either. Maybe I can convince my insurer that I don't have to pay for some old guy's Viagra.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Hip Priest

Well, Julie, admittedly, I wouldn't mind so much if (1) taxes weren't so outrageously high and (2) the quality of public education were better. Let's face it, by the large, our population isn't that well educated. In our day, very seldom is a public school education a high quality education. In my grandparents' day, from what I understand, public education was a lot more rigorous. When I was in high school, I remember my grandmother always asking me, "Where's your homework? You don't have to write nearly as many papers as I did back in the '30s." So, I kind of resent paying taxes to schools that I know are going to mismanage my hard-earned and wisely-invested money in one way or another--they're certainly not going to use the money wisely to facilitate students' learning.

Our population would be even less educated if parents had to pay for it.

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Our population would be even less educated if parents had to pay for it.

I think that Hip Priest should have a glass of scotch with Curtis this evening and discuss taxes.

[The King of Um]

Look, I've had first-hand experience with exceedingly high property taxes. Growing up, I lived in two homes, in two different states (NY and FL), that had property taxes of over $7,000. My parents went through Hell with oppressive property taxes. If and when your property taxes increase to a nauseating, unpalatable level, you'll feel the same way, too. I don't wish this on anyone, even my worst enemy, because it's awful. I hope taxes don't increase to these levels in Pittsburgh.

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by Hip Priest

Look, I've had first-hand experience with exceedingly high property taxes. Growing up, I lived in two homes, in two different states (NY and FL), that had property taxes of over $7,000. My parents went through Hell with oppressive property taxes. If and when your property taxes increase to a nauseating, unpalatable level, you'll feel the same way, too. I don't wish this on anyone, even my worst enemy, because it's awful. I hope taxes don't increase to these levels in Pittsburgh.

7000 is a nothing. Property taxes here easily get over 10,000 a year.

[Hopes]

I always warn people who are moving here from high cost of living areas to research our tax structure before buying a house.

Hip Priest apparently missed those posts.

[The King of Um]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I always warn people who are moving here from high cost of living areas to research our tax structure before buying a house.

Hip Priest apparently missed those posts.

There's a county, local, and a school, right? According to the printout my agent gave me, the school seems to have the most millage by far. Do homeowners get the homestead exemption off all three?

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Hip Priest

There's a county, local, and a school, right? According to the printout my agent gave me, the school seems to have the most millage by far. Do homeowners get the homestead exemption off all three?

Nope. Homestead exemption only applies to the county taxes.

[WhoIsStanwix?]

I think we're missing the bigger news here - This is the first I've heard of someone being challenged on their assessment within city limits. If this story turns into a trend, there could be some issues. The school district would probably be doing itself a favor if it waited until next year, or did this in waves, to avoid the anti-windfall laws.

[Tinare]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Nope. Homestead exemption only applies to the county taxes.

Actually the Homestead exemption does apply in the city.

DOES THE CITY, SCHOOL DISTRICT OR CARNEGIE LIBRARY OFFER ANY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS?
Yes, there are two tax relief programs in the City of Pittsburgh. They are:

• Homestead - (Act 50) Offered by the City of Pittsburgh since 2001, this program reduces the value of your home. The 2013 City of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Library Homestead reduction is $15,000 – a tax savings of $113.40 and $3.75, respectively.
  
  (Act 1) Offered by the School District of Pittsburgh since 2009. The reduction amount can vary from year to year, based on gaming revenue. For 2013, the reduction is $28,685, a tax savings of $276.81.
  
  To receive the Homestead Exemption, the property must be owner occupied. Taxpayers who have applied for the Allegheny County Homestead program will automatically receive the City, School District and Carnegie Library exemption; you do not have to submit a separate application. Applications for the Homestead Exemption are available through Allegheny County - http://www.alleghenycounty.us/opa/frmins50.pdf.

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