Take advantage of PA assessors offices that maintain online databases Many counties in Pennsylvania maintain an online presence, and a percentage of those also provide searchable property records for the public. This way, you can avoid constant trips to the office every time you need information on a property. If your county assessor's office does not provide public records online, try other websites. You may have to subscribe for this information; but if real estate is your business, it will be worth the small fee.

I recommend:  Assessors Links USA offers a list of Pennsylvania county assessors and links to their websites. The Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Board provides a county assessment information tool that let's you look up a county assessor's contact information. This site also has a feature that lets you review market value certifications. Intelius provides a variety of informational reports that include Pennsylvania property tax records, home values, ownership information and sales history.

Consider the PA property tax assessment appeals process if you have concerns You may receive a Pennsylvania property tax assessment you disagree with. When this is the case, you can appeal to your county's assessment office.

I recommend:  You can download the forms you need to start the appeals process in Pennsylvania from the Board of Appeals Online Petition Center on the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue's website. Bankrate is an online real estate resource that offers a variety of property tax tools.

Hire an independent appraiser for a second opinion on your Pennsylvania property value assessment Before you appeal the results of your Pennsylvania property assessment, you may consider getting a second opinion. This is when an independent appraiser comes into the picture. An appraiser would not only reevaluate your property, he will also provide you with the necessary paperwork you need to submit to your assessor's office in the event you decide to pursue an appeal.

I recommend:  The Roegner Appraisal Group, Inc. offers commercial appraisals for Northeastern Pennsylvania. American Business Appraisers has valued billions of dollars worth of property. For more Pennsylvania appraisers, try the directory at AppraiserUSA.com.