§8823. Limitation on tax increase after countywide reassessment.

(a) Scope.--

(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), this section applies to taxing districts in counties within the scope of this chapter under section 8801(b)(1) (relating to short title and scope of chapter).

(2) This section does not apply to a school district subject to section 327 of the act of June 27, 2006 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act.

(b) Initial rate.--In the first year that any county implements a countywide revision of assessment by revaluing the properties and applies an established predetermined ratio or changes its assessment base by applying a change in the predetermined ratio, a taxing district levying its real estate taxes on the revised assessment roll for the first time shall reduce its tax rate, if necessary, so that the total amount of taxes levied for that year against the real properties contained in the duplicate does not exceed the total amount it levied on the properties in the preceding year. The tax rate shall be fixed at a figure that will accomplish this purpose.

(c) Final tax rate.--After establishing a tax rate under subsection (b), a taxing district may, by a separate and specific vote, establish a final tax rate for the first year in which the reassessment is implemented to levy its real estate taxes on the revised assessment. The tax rate under this subsection shall be fixed at a figure which limits the total amount of taxes levied for that year against the real properties contained in the duplicate for the preceding year to not more than 10% greater than the total amount it levied on the properties the preceding year, notwithstanding the increased valuations of the properties under the revised assessment.

(d) New construction.--For the purpose of determining the total amount of taxes to be levied for the first year under subsections (b) and (c), the amount to be levied on newly constructed buildings or structures or on increased valuations based on new improvements made to existing houses need not be considered.

(e) Court approval.--With the approval of the court of common pleas, upon good cause shown, any taxing district may increase the tax rate prescribed in this section, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.