John S Custer Jr., Attorney

Property Tax Consultant in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

(610) 353-72227 Saint Albans Cir, Newtown Square, PA 19073View on Yelp

About John S Custer Jr., Attorney

John S. Custer Jr. has spent over 20 years helping Delaware County property owners reduce their tax burdens through strategic appeals and comprehensive assessment reviews. As a solo practitioner specializing in tax law and real estate matters, he provides personalized attention that larger firms can't match. Property owners choose John because he takes time to understand each client's unique situation and develops tailored strategies for maximum tax savings. His intimate knowledge of Delaware County's assessment practices and local market conditions gives clients a distinct advantage in challenging inflated property valuations.

Services

Business Law
Real Estate Law
Tax Law

How They Can Help

John offers complete property tax appeal services including initial assessment analysis, comparable sales research, and formal appeal representation before local and county boards. He handles both residential and commercial properties, with particular expertise in challenging assessments for unique properties that standard evaluation methods may not capture accurately. Services include homeowner tax protests, commercial property valuation disputes, exemption applications for qualifying properties, and ongoing consultation for property investors managing multiple parcels. John also provides pre-purchase tax analysis to help buyers understand potential tax obligations and identify opportunities for future appeals. His approach combines thorough preparation with aggressive advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

What to Expect

Your property tax appeal starts with a thorough consultation where John reviews your tax records, property characteristics, and recent market activity in your area. He'll explain Pennsylvania's appeal process and provide an honest assessment of your chances for success. If you decide to proceed, John handles all paperwork, gathers supporting evidence, and represents you at hearings. He keeps you informed throughout the process but handles all communication with tax authorities, making the experience as stress-free as possible for busy property owners.

Service Area

John serves property owners throughout Delaware County, including Newtown Square, Media, Springfield, Radnor, Haverford, and surrounding townships. His Newtown Square office provides easy access for clients throughout the western suburbs. He handles appeals before Delaware County Assessment Board, local township assessors, and represents clients at state-level tax court proceedings when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get my property appraised before filing an appeal?
Not necessarily - I use multiple forms of evidence including comparable sales, market analysis, and property condition assessments. Professional appraisals are helpful for complex properties but aren't always required for successful appeals.
What happens if the county increases my assessment during the appeal?
Pennsylvania law prohibits counties from increasing assessments solely because you file an appeal. Your assessment can only increase if they prove it was significantly under-assessed, which is rare in practice.
How do you determine if my property is over-assessed?
I analyze recent comparable sales, current market conditions, and your property's specific characteristics. If your assessment exceeds market value by more than 10-15%, there's typically grounds for a successful appeal.
Can I appeal multiple years of assessments?
Generally, you can only appeal the current tax year, though there are exceptions for certain circumstances. However, successful appeals often result in reduced assessments for future years as well.
What documentation do I need for my appeal?
I'll help gather necessary evidence, but initial documents include your tax bill, recent appraisals if available, and information about property problems or improvements. I handle most research and documentation preparation.
How quickly will I see tax savings after a successful appeal?
Successful appeals typically result in refunds for the current tax year and reduced bills for future years. Refunds are usually issued within 60-90 days of the appeal resolution.
Do you handle appeals for condominiums and townhomes?
Yes, I regularly handle appeals for all residential property types including condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. Each requires different valuation approaches, which I'm experienced in handling.
What's your success rate for property tax appeals?
I maintain over 80% success rate on cases I accept for representation. I carefully screen cases to ensure there are reasonable grounds for appeal before taking them on.

Think Your Property Is Over-Assessed?

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