Property Tax Lawyers in Lancaster County

The law of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania says that everyone who owns real property has to pay taxes on it. The term "real property" refers to land and buildings, as well as anything adhered to the land, like trees and natural resources.

Property taxes in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania are calculated as a percentage of the appraised value of the property. Property taxes are paid to the state or local government at regular (usually yearly) intervals.

In general, the federal government does not impose any property tax. Typically, property tax is imposed by state, county, and municipal governments.

How Property Tax is Calculated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Most often, property taxes in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania are simply a set percentage of the property's value. Across the country, state authorities impose a wide range of different tax rates. The highest rates in the country are in the area of 5% of the property's value, and the lowest are less than 1%.

To collect the property tax in a fair and consistent manner, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania tax authorities need to have an objective formula for determining the value of land under its jurisdiction.

Value is subjective in many respects. The home that you grew up in is probably worth more to you than its going market rate. So, to ensure that property taxes are fair and uniform, tax collectors have to use purely objective factors when appraising property.

With that in mind, the land appraisers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania look at several factors, including the state of the local real estate market, the square footage of the house, and the permissible use (zoning) of the land.

How A Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Attorney Can Help.

In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, property taxes can become pretty complex. Legal disputes can arise in the property tax context, even if there is no wrongdoing, and the dispute arises from an honest misunderstanding. You might have a good reason to suspect that a mistake was made when your property was appraised, resulting in a higher tax bill than you believe you legally owe, for example.

If one of these issues affects you and your property in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, you should make every effort to properly handle it. This can prevent small issues from growing into large ones. The best way to do this is to seek the advice of a good Lancaster County, Pennsylvania tax attorney who specializes in property tax law.