How does Philadelphia do tax assessments?

If you own a property in Philadelphia, the city has reassessed it as part of its massive overhaul of the property tax system. But you probably didn’t meet the city evaluator who determined its value. So how did he or she do it?

By prying.  

The city has been working for more than two years to assess every last property in Philly. City evaluators have visited properties in person, inspecting them visually from outside. They’ve noted their conditions, improvements, decks, central air units and fireplaces. They’ve pored over deeds, sales data, building permits and the real-estate website Trend. They’ve even taken aerial photographs.  

Perhaps most important, they’ve taken a good look at your neighborhood. Your assessment is largely determined by how much your neighbors’ properties are worth.  

If you think your home has been wrongfully overvalued compared to your neighbors’, you can appeal.