Key takeaways
- Upcoming Tax Exemption Deadline: The deadline to file tax exemption applications is March 31, 2025.
- New Appeal Deadline: For tax years 2026 and beyond, the deadline to file annual real estate tax assessment appeals in Allegheny County will be September 1 of the preceding year.
- Narrower Filing Window: The filing period for appeals is now limited to 60 days before the deadline. For the 2026 tax year and onward, the window will be from July 3 to September 1 of the preceding year.
- Impact on Budgeting and Assessments: The earlier appeal deadlines allow Allegheny County to finalize assessments before January 1 each year, which should help both taxpayers and taxing districts manage their budgets more effectively.
Tax Exemption Applications Must be filed by March 31. Annual Real Estate Tax Assessments for the 2026 and future tax years must be filed by September 1.
The deadline for tax exemption applications for the 2025 tax year is March 31, 2025, and will remain March 31st each year for the current tax year.
On June 4, 2024, Allegheny County passed Ordinance 06-24-OR changing the annual real estate tax assessment appeal deadline to September 1 for tax years 2026 and beyond. The deadline for filing a 2026 tax assessment appeal will be September 2, 2025, because September 1st is a holiday.
The Ordinance also limits the time period for filing to 60 days before the deadline, creating a narrower window for interested property owners and taxing jurisdictions to file appeals. Appeals must be filed between July 3 to September 1.
These changes allow taxpayers and taxing districts to effectively budget for real estate taxes for the coming year. With the earlier appeal period, Allegheny County, like every other County in Pennsylvania, can hear appeals and finalize assessments prior to January 1st each year. The 2026 and future year tax bills should reflect any resulting changes, reducing the need for property owners to chase refunds or pay additional tax bills following the issuance of OPA and Board decisions.
If you are planning to apply for a tax exemption, it will need to be filed by March 31, 2025, which is less than seven weeks from now. If you need assistance in filing or evaluating a possible exemption or 2026 assessment appeal, please contact our team above.
Client Alert 2025-048