Chester County Property Tax Appeal — Pennsylvania

Rob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Chester County, Pennsylvania, located in the southeastern part of the state with its county seat in West Chester, encompasses 73 municipalities including major population centers like Coatesville, Phoenixville, and Downingtown. With a median home value of $538,900 according to recent data, Chester County significantly exceeds both the state median of $277,600 and national median of $360,600. The county's effective property tax rate of 1.25% results in a median annual tax bill of $6,198, which is substantially above both the Pennsylvania median of $3,214 and the national median of $2,400, making property tax appeals particularly important for homeowners seeking to reduce their tax burden.

Notable cities: West Chester, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Downingtown, Kennett Square

Median Home

$538,900

Tax Rate

1.25%

Annual Tax

$6,198

Population

540,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: May 1 through the first business day in August

Annual assessment appeals must be filed between May 1st and the first business day in August each year. For interim appeals (due to new construction or changes), you have 40 days from the date of notification of the assessment change.

Property in Chester County, Pennsylvania — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Chester County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Chester County Assessment Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically by mid-April)

In Chester County, properties are assessed at 100% of their fair market value as determined by state-certified assessors. For example, if your home's market value is $538,900 (the county median), at Pennsylvania's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $538,900, resulting in approximately $6,736 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.25%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Assessment Appeals. The Board will schedule an appeal hearing and notify you and the taxing authorities of the date and time. You should be prepared to present documentation supporting your opinion of value.

Step 1: Review your Change in Assessment notice carefully and determine if you disagree with the assessed value

Step 2: Obtain a Notice of Intention of Appeal form from the Assessment Office or download from the county website

Step 3: Complete the appeal form and file it between May 1 and the first business day in August (for annual appeals) or within 40 days of notice (for interim appeals)

Step 4: Prepare evidence including recent comparable sales, photos of property condition, repair estimates, or a professional appraisal

Step 5: Attend the scheduled hearing before the Board of Assessment Appeals and present your evidence

Step 6: If dissatisfied with the Board's decision, file an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the Board's notification

Required form: Notice of Intention of Appeal (available at Assessment Office)

Filing Methods

in-person:313 West Market Street, Suite 4202, West Chester, PA 19382

mail:Mail completed forms to Assessment Office at 313 West Market Street, Suite 4202, West Chester, PA 19382 (no faxes or electronic copies accepted)

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales dataProfessional appraisalPhotos showing property conditionRepair estimates or documentation of defectsEvidence of market value as of the assessment date

Chester County Assessor Contact

Chester County Assessment Office

Phone: (610) 344-6105

Address: 313 West Market Street, Suite 4202, West Chester, PA 19382

Website: https://www.chesco.org/199/Assessment

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tax Exemptions in Chester County

Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion

Varies by school district based on available state funding

Reduces the assessed value of eligible primary residences before property tax is computed, funded through state gaming revenues and other designated sources

Eligibility: Owner-occupied primary residences; must be your permanent home where you're registered to vote and have your driver's licenseDeadline: March 1 annually

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Varies based on income and property value

Expanded program providing significant property tax relief for eligible Pennsylvania seniors

Eligibility: Pennsylvania seniors age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older meeting income requirementsDeadline: June 30 of each year

Clean and Green (Act 319)

Significant reduction in assessed value for qualifying land

Preferential tax assessment for land in agricultural use, agricultural reserve, or forest reserve

Eligibility: Properties with at least 10 contiguous acres in agricultural production or forest reserveDeadline: March 1 through June 1

Official Resources

Chester County Assessment Office →

Official county assessment office website with forms, deadlines, and appeal information

Chester County Property Search →

Search for property records and assessment information for any property in Chester County

Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Board →

State agency that sets Common Level Ratios and provides property tax resources

Chester County Homestead/Farmstead Application →

Information and application for the homestead property tax exclusion program

Chester County Appeal Statistics

Avg Reduction

$882

% Who Appeal

25%

Check Your Chester County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Chester County?

The deadline for annual property tax appeals in Chester County is from May 1st through the first business day in August each year. This window applies to all annual assessment appeals, including exemption appeals. If you received an interim assessment due to new construction or property changes, you have 40 days from the date of notification to file your appeal. As of January 1, 2026, there is a $150 processing fee for commercial/industrial and exemption appeals. It's important to file within these deadlines as missing them means waiting until the next year to appeal.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Chester County?

Property tax savings through appeals in Chester County can be substantial, especially given the county's high median tax bill of $6,198. According to data from similar appeal programs in the county, successful appeals have resulted in average annual savings of $882 per household. The Chester County Mobile Home Tax Reassessment Project alone has helped over 1,100 homeowners save an average of $882 per year. With approximately 25% of homes potentially overassessed nationally, and Chester County having one of the highest property tax rates in Pennsylvania at 1.25% of home value, a successful appeal could save you thousands of dollars over the time you own your home.

What evidence do I need for a Chester County property tax appeal?

For a successful property tax appeal in Chester County, you'll need strong supporting documentation. Essential evidence includes recent sales data for comparable properties in your area, ideally from the past 6-12 months. A professional appraisal from a state-certified appraiser can be particularly persuasive to the Board. You should also bring photographs documenting any property defects, repair estimates from licensed contractors, and any documentation showing how your property's condition or features differ from similar homes. The Board will evaluate whether your property's assessed value accurately reflects its fair market value based on this evidence.

What happens at a Board of Assessment Appeals hearing in Chester County?

At your Chester County Board of Assessment Appeals hearing, you'll present your case for why your property assessment should be reduced. The hearing is relatively brief and informal, where you'll show your evidence including comparable sales, photos, and any appraisals you've obtained. The Board will ask questions about your property and review your documentation. You should be prepared to explain why your current assessment doesn't reflect your property's true market value. The Board typically renders a decision within 3-4 weeks of the hearing date and notifies you in writing. For annual appeals, results aren't mailed until after August 1st, and any reduction takes effect the following tax year.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Chester County?

The homestead exemption in Chester County varies by school district and depends on state funding allocations from gaming revenues and other sources. Unlike a fixed dollar amount, the exemption reduces your assessed value before calculating school property taxes, with all qualified homesteads in a district receiving the same reduction amount. To qualify, the property must be your primary residence - where you're registered to vote and have your driver's license. Applications must be filed by March 1st each year with the County Assessment Office. Once approved, the exclusion remains in effect as long as you own and occupy the home as your primary residence.

How do I calculate my potential tax savings from an appeal in Chester County?

To calculate potential savings from a Chester County property tax appeal, first determine if your home is overassessed by comparing it to recent sales of similar properties. With Chester County's 100% assessment ratio, your assessed value should equal your home's fair market value. If comparable homes are selling for less than your assessed value, you may have grounds for appeal. For example, if your home is assessed at $600,000 but similar homes are selling for $500,000, a successful appeal could reduce your assessment by $100,000. At Chester County's effective tax rate of 1.25%, this would save you approximately $1,250 annually in property taxes.

Can I appeal my Chester County property taxes if I recently purchased my home?

Yes, you can appeal your Chester County property taxes even if you recently purchased your home, and in fact, this may be an ideal time to do so. New construction homes are particularly good candidates for appeals as initial assessments may not accurately reflect market conditions. Your recent purchase price can serve as strong evidence of actual market value, especially if you paid less than the assessed value. Additionally, if you discover issues with the property after purchase that affect its value, such as needed repairs or property defects not reflected in the assessment, these can support your appeal. Remember to file within the annual deadline of May 1 through early August.

What if I disagree with the Board of Assessment Appeals decision in Chester County?

If you disagree with the Chester County Board of Assessment Appeals decision, you have the right to further appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days from the date stamped on the Board's decision notification. Chester County doesn't have a specific form for this appeal, so you'll need to contact the Chester County Law Library at(610) 344-6166 for information about local rules of civil procedure for assessment appeals. The Prothonotary's Office at(610) 344-6300 can provide information about filing fees and civil cover sheets. This court appeal involves a more formal legal process, and many property owners choose to work with an attorney who specializes in property tax appeals at this stage.

For state-wide appeal information including Pennsylvania's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Pennsylvania Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Pennsylvania Counties

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)Bucks County (Doylestown)Delaware County (Upper Darby)Montgomery County (Norristown)Philadelphia County (Philadelphia)

← All Pennsylvania property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.chesco.org/199/Assessment | https://www.chesco.org/255/Assessment-Appeals | https://www.tax-rates.org/pennsylvania/chester_county_property_tax | https://smartasset.com/taxes/pennsylvania-property-tax-calculator | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/pennsylvania/chester-county

Last verified: 2026-02-15