Pennsylvania Treasury Launches New Portal for Tax Appeals

Treasurer Stacy Garrity Launches New Portal to Simplify Pennsylvania Tax Appeals

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the launch of the new online Tax Appeal Portal to streamline Pennsylvania’s tax appeal process. Taxpayers and tax practitioners filing appeals with the Department of Revenue (DOR) through the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R) can now find all applicable forms in one convenient online location.

“Making the tax appeal process easier makes sense on every level,” Treasurer Garrity said. “This new tool makes it simpler and more efficient to file an appeal, and it’s a great example of focusing on how we can make government work better for the taxpayers.”

To use the Tax Appeal Portal, taxpayers and tax practitioners will first create a password-protected account. Password verification is required for enhanced security.

Once an account is created, users can:

  • File a petition;
  • Upload supporting documents;
  • Request a hearing continuance;
  • Request a compromise directly with the DOR;
  • Request a mediated settlement conference (for appeals filed on or after January 27, 2025); and
  • Take advantage of other features.

Those using the Tax Appeal Portal will be able to see all petitions they have filed through the Portal and verify any documents that were previously uploaded.

BF&R is an independent administrative tax tribunal, administered by the State Treasurer, responsible for the second and final level of administrative appeal (with minor exceptions) before appealing to court. Its Board consists of three members – two are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate; the third is the State Treasurer or her designee and serves as Chair.

For more information about BF&R’s new Tax Appeal Portal, visit patreasury.gov/bfr.

Pennsylvania Treasurer, Looks to the Future of the Commonwealth

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today began her second term leading the Pennsylvania Treasury Department as she took the Oath of Office during a ceremony at The Forum Auditorium.

“Pennsylvania’s potential is unlimited,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Our future will be even brighter than our past. And I can’t wait to lead Treasury in the bright days, months and years ahead.”

Treasurer Garrity was sworn into office by the Honorable Maureen Beirne, President Judge of Bradford County, who was joined by the treasurer’s brother-in-law, the Honorable Christopher P. Baker, Justice of the Supreme Court of New York.

Today’s inaugural ceremony included remarks from Governor Josh Shapiro; invocations representing Christianity, Judaism and Islam; the presentation and retiring of the colors by the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry; “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” performed by talented students from CASA Charter School in Harrisburg; and a recessional by the Quaker City String Band.

The ceremony was hosted by Rep. Tina Pickett, Treasurer Garrity’s representative in the state House, and also featured remarks from Treasurer Garrity’s husband Dan Gizzi; Treasurer Garrity’s niece Jackie Howard; Hugh Allen, who served as Treasurer Garrity’s first chief of staff; and Jeff Bartos, President of ESB Holdings.

“It’s the start of a new year, the start of a new term for Pennsylvania’s three row officers, and the start of a new legislative session,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We must put aside past disagreements, embrace this moment of opportunity, and find common ground. We cannot grow by division. We can – and will – grow by working together to make Pennsylvania a leader among states, and to make Pennsylvania a place where our next generation can succeed and prosper.”

Recognizing her staff at Treasury, she remarked on the job of the Department and its importance to every Pennsylvanian: “My team at Treasury is second to none. They work tirelessly on behalf of the taxpayers, and I want to thank them for their dedication to public service.”

She added, “We help Pennsylvanians save for education and disability-related expenses. We reconnect people with money they forgot about or never knew they had. We return precious military medals to the brave Veterans who earned them, or to their families who sacrificed so much for our country. When it comes down to it, Treasury is about people. It’s about service. It’s about public trust.”

Under Treasurer Garrity’s leadership, Treasury has returned record amounts of unclaimed property including hundreds of military decorations to Veterans and their families, reduced fees multiple times for the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program and PA ABLE, and helped the PA 529 Investment Plan be recognized as a top 529 plan in the nation for two consecutive years. The state’s Rainy Day Fund saw unprecedented growth with her dedication to working with the General Assembly and two Governors to build the state’s reserves and her decision to implement a new investment strategy.

Treasurer Garrity remains committed to increasing government transparency, cutting waste and fees, returning more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners, and making education affordable for Pennsylvanians.

Treasurer Garrity is a former businesswoman and retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel who has served the Commonwealth as Treasurer since January 19, 2021.