Thousands of Delaware and Chester County homeowners pay more property tax than the law requires — because their assessed values are simply wrong. Bort Law brings four decades of local legal experience and a flat-fee, no-surprises approach to fighting your assessment.
Is Your Home Over-Assessed?
We Can Help.
40+
Years of Local Practice
Flat Fee
Transparent Pricing
3 Counties
Delaware, Chester & Montgomery
10/10
Avvo Rating
REASONS TO APPEAL
Your Assessment May Be Wrong —
More Often Than You Think
Mass Appraisal Errors
County assessments are done in bulk using formulas, not individual inspections. Errors in square footage, lot size, or condition are extremely common.
Property Condition
Deferred maintenance, structural issues, or needed repairs that reduce your home’s actual market value are often ignored in assessments.
Comparable Sales
If similar homes in your area have sold for less than your assessed value, you have a strong legal basis for an appeal under Pennsylvania law.
Cumulative Savings
A successful appeal doesn’t just save you money this year — the reduced assessment carries forward, generating savings every year until the next reassessment.
THE APPEAL PROCESS
Simple, Guided, and Transparent
We handle every step — from reviewing your assessment to representing you at the hearing — so you never have to navigate county bureaucracy alone.
01
Free Assessment Review
We analyze your current county assessment against recent comparable sales and relevant market data — at no charge, no obligation.
02
Gather Evidence
We compile comparable sales, property condition documentation, and any factual errors in the county’s records to build the strongest possible case.
03
File the Appeal
We prepare and file your appeal with the appropriate county Board of Assessment Appeals before the annual deadline — correctly and on time.
04
Hearing Representation
Peter Bort personally appears at your hearing, presents the evidence, and advocates for the lowest defensible assessment under Pennsylvania law.
FLAT-FEE PRICING
One Flat Fee. Everything Included.
No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. You know exactly what you’ll pay before we begin.
FULL REPRESENTATION — FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Assessment Review, Filing & Hearing
$495
Flat fee · No hourly billing · Quoted before engagement
- Comparable sales analysis & assessment error review
- Appeal preparation & filing with county Board
- Personal hearing appearance by Peter Bort
- Evidence presentation & advocacy at the hearing
Note on complex or high-value properties: For properties with fair market assessed values above $1,500,000, unique or non-conforming properties, a custom fee will be quoted after the initial review — still flat, still transparent.
Questions about the fee? Call 610-933-9700 or send us a note — no obligation.
WHY BORT LAW
Four Decades of Local Knowledge,
Brought to Your Property Tax Fight
Assessment appeals may seem straightforward, but success depends on knowing local market data, understanding county assessor methodologies, and presenting a credible, well-organized case before the Board. These are skills built over years of practice in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery Counties.
Peter Bort’s background in mediation and collaborative law also means he approaches the hearing as a problem-solver — presenting facts clearly and calmly, which hearing officers consistently respond to more favorably than adversarial posturing.
- Over 40 years of practice in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania
- Martindale-Hubbell “Distinguished” Peer Review Rating
- 10/10 Avvo Rating with 85+ verified client reviews
- Flat-fee pricing — the same model clients trust in our estate planning practice
“Property tax is often a homeowner’s largest recurring expense after the mortgage. Getting the assessment right isn’t just about this year’s bill — it compounds every single year.”
COMMON QUESTIONS
Assessment Appeal FAQs
The annual deadline to file a routine assessment appeal is August 1st in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery Counties. This applies to the standard yearly appeal cycle. If you received an interim reassessment notice from the county — typically triggered by a recent sale or new construction — the deadline to appeal is printed on that notice itself. These deadlines are shorter and strictly enforced, so if you’ve received such a notice, contact us right away.
Not necessarily. Under Pennsylvania law, your assessed value should bear a specific ratio to actual fair market value (the “common level ratio”). Even if your property is worth what the county says, your assessment could still be disproportionately high relative to the common level ratio – which is independent grounds for a reduction. We evaluate both angles in every case.
Yes. In Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, a recent sale can trigger a reassessment of your property — often called a “spot reassessment.” If your new assessment feels too high relative to comparable properties, you have the right to appeal. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons homeowners contact us.
Losing an appeal does not increase your assessment. In rare cases, the county could theoretically counter-appeal for a higher value, but this is uncommon in residential cases and we would discuss that risk with you before filing. With our flat-fee model, you know the total cost before you commit.
Savings vary by property, but a homeowner whose assessed value is reduced by $50,000 in Chester County could save roughly $800-$1,200 per year in combined school, county, and municipal taxes – year after year until the next countywide reassessment. The fee pays for itself in the first year in most successful appeals.
A formal appraisal is often the strongest evidence, but it isn’t always required for a successful hearing. We’ll advise you after reviewing your situation. In many residential cases, a well-prepared comparable sales analysis is sufficient. If we recommend an appraisal, we can refer you to qualified local appraisers.
OVERPAYING?
Ready to Find Out If You're Overpaying?
Our initial review is free. If there’s no viable appeal, we’ll tell you straight — no sales pressure, no hidden charges.