AppealDesk

York County Property Tax Appeal, Pennsylvania

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

York County is located in South Central Pennsylvania with York as the county seat. As of 2026, the county has an estimated population of 476,408, making it the 8th largest county in Pennsylvania. Major cities include York (population 45,408), Hanover (16,737), and Red Lion (6,512). Property tax appeals matter significantly here because York County's effective property tax rate of 1.52% is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 1.43% and substantially above the national median of 1.02%, resulting in higher annual tax burdens for homeowners.

Notable cities: York, Hanover, Red Lion, Dallastown, Spring Grove

Median Home

$175,500

Tax Rate

1.52%

Annual Tax

$2,674

Population

476,408

On the typical York County home, valued near $175,500 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.52%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: August 1, 2026

Annual appeals must be postmarked or hand-delivered on or before August 1 to affect the following tax year (county and township taxes effective January 1, school district taxes effective July 1). During a countywide reassessment year, the deadline extends to September 1. If you receive a change of assessment notice, you have 40 days from the mailing date to file an interim appeal regardless of the annual deadline.

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How York County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: York County Assessment Office

Assessment cycle: Ongoing with last countywide reassessment effective January 1, 2006

Notices typically mailed: Spring through early summer when assessments change

York County assessments are based on 100% of market value as of July 1, 2004, though the current Common Level Ratio is 48.70 as of July 2026. This means actual market values have increased substantially since the last reassessment. For example, if your home's current market value is $175,500, at Pennsylvania's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $175,500. At York County's effective rate of 1.52%, this results in approximately $2,668 in annual property taxes.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Assessment Appeals. The Board of Assessment Appeals is an independent three-member board that holds formal hearings for real estate assessment grievances. You will present your evidence and the Board will make a determination on whether your assessed value should be changed.

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Step 1: Obtain the appeal form from the York County Assessment Office by visiting their office at 28 East Market Street Room 105, calling (717) 771-9232, or downloading from the county website at yorkcountypa.gov/531/Forms.

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Step 2: Complete the Assessment Appeal form (Schedule A, B, or C as appropriate) and include an appraisal or other evidence establishing the current actual market value of your property, such as recent comparable sales, photos showing condition issues, or repair estimates.

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Step 3: File your completed appeal on or before August 1, 2026 by mail or in-person at the Assessment Office. Facsimile appeals are not acceptable. The appeal must be filed by August 1 for assessment changes effective January 1 for county and township taxes, and July 1 for school district taxes of the following year.

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Step 4: Your appeal will be reviewed by the York County Board of Assessment Appeals, an independent three-member board appointed by the County Commissioners. The Board holds hearings for real estate assessment grievances where you can present your evidence.

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Step 5: Attend your hearing before the Board of Assessment Appeals and present your evidence including comparable sales data, independent appraisals, and documentation of property condition. The burden of proving the assessment is incorrect rests on the property owner.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the Board's decision, you may appeal to the York County Court of Common Pleas, and subsequently to the Pennsylvania Board of Appeals and then Commonwealth Court if necessary.

Required form: Assessment Appeal Schedule A, B, and C forms, and Assessment Appeal Regulations and Form

Filing Methods

mail:York County Assessment Office, 28 East Market Street, Room 105, York, PA 17401
in-person:York County Assessment Office, 28 East Market Street, Room 105, York, PA 17401. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
phone:Call (717) 771-9232 to request appeal forms

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales of similar propertiesIndependent professional appraisal establishing market valuePhotographs documenting property condition issuesRepair estimates or contractor bids for needed workDocumentation of property defects or functional obsolescence

York County Assessor Contact

York County Assessment & Tax Claim Office

Website: https://yorkcountypa.gov/512/Assessment-Tax-Claim-Office

Online Portal: https://assessmentpublic.yorkcountypa.gov/

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Tax Exemptions in York County

Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion

Varies by school district (typically $100 to several hundred dollars in annual tax savings)

Reduces the assessed value of your primary residence before school property taxes are calculated. The exclusion amount varies by school district and is funded by state gaming revenue under Act 1 of 2006.

Eligibility: Owner-occupants of residential properties used as primary residence. Must be domiciled at the property. Only one homestead exclusion per person. Cannot claim if you receive homestead benefits in another county or state.Deadline: March 1 annually (file once, remains in effect)

Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption

100% exemption from all property taxes

Provides full exemption from all real estate taxes (county, township, and school district) for qualifying disabled veterans on their primary residence.

Eligibility: Must be an honorably discharged veteran rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA (or blind, paralyzed, or lost two or more limbs due to service). Must have served during wartime or received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Must occupy property as principal dwelling. Income threshold of $114,637 or less for automatic qualification (2025 figure). Surviving unremarried spouses may also qualify.Deadline: No specific deadline - apply anytime through your county veterans affairs office

Clean and Green Preferential Assessment

Assessed at use value rather than fair market value (substantial reduction)

Provides reduced assessed values for farmland, forest land, and agricultural reserve land that is actively devoted to agricultural use, agricultural reserve, or forest reserve purposes.

Eligibility: Must be at least 10 contiguous acres devoted to agricultural use, agricultural reserve, or forest reserve. Property must meet specific production or income requirements. Rollback taxes apply if land use changes.Deadline: Applications accepted year-round through the Assessment Office

York County Appeal Packet — $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in York County?
The deadline to file a property tax appeal in York County is August 1, 2026. Your appeal must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the York County Assessment Office on or before this date to affect the following tax year. County and township tax changes become effective January 1, while school district tax changes take effect July 1 of the following year. During a countywide reassessment year, the deadline is extended to September 1. If you receive a change of assessment notice at any time during the year, you have 40 days from the mailing date to file an interim appeal regardless of the annual August 1 deadline.
How do I file a property tax appeal in York County?
To file a property tax appeal in York County, you must complete the official Assessment Appeal form available from the Assessment Office at 28 East Market Street Room 105 in York, by calling (717) 771-9232, or by downloading from yorkcountypa.gov/531/Forms. You'll need to complete Schedule A, B, or C as appropriate and include supporting evidence such as a professional appraisal, recent comparable sales data, or documentation of property defects. Submit your completed appeal by mail or in-person to the Assessment Office by the August 1 deadline. Facsimile appeals are not acceptable. The burden of proof rests on you to demonstrate that your assessment is incorrect.
What is the homestead exclusion worth in York County?
The homestead exclusion amount in York County varies by school district because each district determines its own exclusion amount based on gaming revenue received from the state under Act 1 of 2006. Most school districts in York County provide exclusions ranging from $100 to several hundred dollars in annual school tax savings. The exclusion reduces your property's assessed value before school taxes are calculated, not county or municipal taxes. You must file a one-time application with the York County Assessment Office by March 1. Once approved, the exclusion remains in effect as long as you own and occupy the property as your primary residence. Contact the Assessment Office at (717) 771-9232 for your specific school district's current exclusion amount.
What happens at a Board of Assessment Appeals hearing in York County?
At a Board of Assessment Appeals hearing in York County, you will present your case before an independent three-member board appointed by the County Commissioners. You must bring evidence to support your claim that your assessment is incorrect, such as recent comparable sales of similar properties, a professional appraisal, photographs showing property condition issues, or repair estimates. The hearing is formal, and the burden of proof rests entirely on you as the property owner. The Board will review your evidence, may ask questions, and will issue a written decision. If you disagree with the Board's decision, you have the right to appeal to the York County Court of Common Pleas within 30 days.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in York County?
The amount you can save by appealing your property taxes in York County depends on how much your assessment is reduced. With York County's effective tax rate of 1.52%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves you approximately $152 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessment from $200,000 to $175,000 (a $25,000 reduction), you would save approximately $380 annually. Over a typical 5-year period until the next potential reassessment, this equals $1,900 in total savings. Studies show that approximately 25% of homes nationally are over-assessed. If your assessment is reduced, the savings continue every year until the next reassessment.
What evidence do I need for a York County property tax appeal?
For a successful York County property tax appeal, you need strong evidence establishing your property's actual market value. The most persuasive evidence is a professional appraisal conducted by a licensed appraiser showing a value lower than your assessment. You should also gather recent comparable sales (within the past 6-12 months) of similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value. Include photographs documenting any property defects, deferred maintenance, or functional obsolescence. Repair estimates from licensed contractors for needed work strengthen your case. The York County Assessment Office requires that appeals include appropriate documentation establishing current actual market value, and the burden of proving your assessment is incorrect rests entirely on you.
Can I appeal my York County property taxes if I disagree with the Board of Assessment Appeals decision?
Yes, if you disagree with the York County Board of Assessment Appeals decision, you have the right to appeal to higher authorities. Your first appeal option is to the York County Court of Common Pleas, which must be filed within 30 days of the Board's decision. If you disagree with the Court of Common Pleas decision, you may then appeal to the Pennsylvania Board of Appeals. Beyond that, you can appeal to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Each level of appeal requires filing within specific time frames and following proper procedures. Keep in mind that appeals to the court system typically require legal representation and involve court costs, so you should weigh the potential tax savings against the cost of pursuing further appeals.
What is the Common Level Ratio in York County and how does it affect my property taxes?
The Common Level Ratio (CLR) in York County is currently 48.70 as of July 1, 2026. This ratio measures the relationship between assessed values and actual market values in the county. York County's CLR of 48.70 means that current assessed values are approximately 48.7% of actual market values on average, because the last countywide reassessment was based on market values as of July 1, 2004. While assessments are supposed to be at 100% of market value, properties have appreciated significantly since 2004 without a reassessment. The CLR is used to calculate estimated market values and can be a factor in appeals, though it doesn't directly change your tax bill. Your taxes are still calculated using your assessed value multiplied by the millage rates set by the county, municipality, and school district.

Official Resources

York County Assessment Office - Property Search Database →

Search property records, view assessed values, tax information, and property characteristics by owner name, address, or parcel ID.

York County Assessment Office - Appeal Forms →

Download official assessment appeal forms including Schedule A, B, C, exemption applications, and homestead exclusion applications in English and Spanish.

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development - Homestead Exclusion →

State-level information about Pennsylvania's Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion program including eligibility requirements and application procedures.

York County Assessment & Tax Claim Office Homepage →

Official county page with assessment information, tax reduction programs, contact information, and links to property records and appeal resources.

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 →

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Sources: https://yorkcountypa.gov/512/Assessment-Tax-Claim-Office | https://www.cgalaw.com/practice-areas/real-estate/property-tax-appeal/ | http://www.tax-rates.org/pennsylvania/york_county_property_tax | https://yorkcountypa.gov/532/Tax-Reduction-Abatement-Programs | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/pennsylvania/york-county

Last verified: 2026-07-22