Property Tax System in Delaware Ruled Unconstitutional

A property tax shake up is coming to the state of Delaware. Some will pay more, and some will pay less as the ruling forces assessments to come in line with reality.

1 minute read

May 11, 2020, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Delaware

Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

"A judge has ruled that Delaware's property tax system is unconstitutional, potentially triggering significant changes in annual tax bills for the first time in decades," report Xerxes Wilson and Jeanne Kuang. 

"Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster ruled on Friday that property values used by all three counties are so different than the properties' actual market values that some unfairly pay more taxes and some get a discount compared to their property's actual value," add Wilson and Kuang. 

"The ruling sets the stage for counties and the plaintiffs that sued them to debate how to make the state’s property tax system fair in the eyes of the courts, changes that likely may not take place for more than a year."

The article includes more details on next steps for rectifying the unconstitutional situation, and the potential for legal appeals of the ruling, are included in the source article.


Friday, May 8, 2020 in Delaware News Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog