By now, Monroe County homeowners should have received their new property reassessment valuations that were mailed on July 1, 2019.

This post contains valuable information about the steps property owners can take in response to this situation as well as the actions I am taking as your state representative.

First, it is important to understand this is a county issue. The state government – and I, as your state representative – played no part in the reassessment decision. However, I am working to address the larger issue of property tax replacement. Information about those efforts is below.

Even though we played no part in creating this situation, my staff and I still want to help you, our constituents.

Background

This reassessment is being conducted by Monroe County, which contracted with Tyler Technologies to perform the work. The process is aimed at restoring equity to property taxation since a property assessment has not been conducted in the county since approximately 30 years ago in 1989. The reassessment is intended to ensure each property is taxed based on a current valuation, thereby establishing a more fair and equitable form of taxation.

When Reviewing Your Assessment

You should review the assessment you received and evaluate its accuracy. If you feel the assessment does not represent the “market value” of your property, there are steps you can take to address the problem.

Challenging an Assessment

If you think the value assigned to your property is incorrect, you have the right to schedule a formal appeal. This appeal will be held in front of a board appointed by the Monroe County Commissioners.

Forms for filing a formal appeal are available at my offices along with information on the appeal procedure. Forms are also available on the Monroe County website: www.monroecountypa.gov. You can also find a FAQ page there and other information on the reassessment program.

All forms and supporting information must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Monroe County Assessment Office by the Aug. 12, 2019 deadline.  Faxes and emails will not be accepted. You will receive written notice of the decision reached in the formal appeal in early November 2019

What I’m Doing

This reassessment is another example of the inherent problems with the entire property tax system. That is something I am striving to address by working with my colleagues in the state Capitol to enact legislation that would remove and replace property taxes across the Commonwealth. While I continue to fight that battle in Harrisburg, there is one way our office may be able to provide some immediate relief for property owners.

How Our Office Can Help

Do you qualify for a rebate of up to $650 through the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program? This program is NOT the final answer for the property tax issue. However, it does provide some relief as lawmakers work to address the larger issue.

The program provides qualified applicants with rebates of up to $650 on the property taxes or rent they paid in 2018.

Our office can help you fill out these applications. For more information – including income qualification guidelines, access to applications and to check on the status of a rebate – visit my website at www.RepRader.com and click on “Resources,” then scroll down to click on the “Property Tax/Rent Rebate” link.

If you would like help with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application process, please call our district office by dialing 570-620-4341.