1. The Assessment The county assessors are given the job to determine the market value of all real estate parcels within the county. This determination of market value is factored with a common ratio, which is applied to all real estate. When the ratio is factored against the market value the resulting value is the assessment. 2. Millage Rate The local municipalities and school districts determine the millage rate. This is a factor of 1/10 of a cent. The assessment is multiplied by the millage to give the annual tax due on the real estate that every owner of taxable property must pay. For example; $15,000.00 (assessment) multiplied by 320 mills (millage rate = 320 mills = 32 cents) equals $4,800 tax. There is not much that you can do about the millage rate. That is a political issue related to government spending. However, the law provides an appeal procedure to contest the assessment. After January 1 of each year an appeal can be taken to the County Board of assessment Appeals. If proper procedures are followed and proper evidence of a market value lower than the assessor's opinion is presented the Board can reduce your assessment. That of course will reduce your real estate taxes. DuffyNorth has successfully represented clients in tax assessment appeals for over 30 years in both Montgomery and Bucks Counties. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SAVE ON YOUR REAL ESTATE TAXES. Call 215-675-7300 for a free consultation.