Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Cambria County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Cambria County

In Cambria County, property taxes are determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the total millage rate applied to that value. The assessment process is conducted by the County Assessment Office, which establishes the "market value" of your home. This is then multiplied by the county’s predetermined ratio to reach the "assessed value." Each year, taxing authorities—including the county, your local municipality, and your school district—set a millage rate. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. To calculate your annual tax burden, the formula used is: (Assessed Value x Millage Rate) / 1,000. It is important to note that your total tax bill is a combination of these three distinct taxing entities, each of which may adjust their rates annually based on budgetary requirements.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs designed to provide tax relief to eligible homeowners. These exemptions can significantly reduce your tax liability:

• Homestead Exclusion: This reduces the assessed value of your primary residence for school district tax purposes. You must apply through the county to qualify.
• Senior Citizens Property Tax Rebate: Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, this program provides rebates to eligible seniors (65+), widows/widowers (50+), and individuals with disabilities (18+).
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans who are 100% permanently disabled due to service-connected injuries may be exempt from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence.
• Clean and Green Act: Owners of agricultural or forest land may qualify for lower assessments based on the land's current use rather than its fair market value.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Cambria County are typically issued in the spring. Most municipalities and school districts offer a tiered payment schedule to encourage timely collection:

• Discount Period: Payments made within the first two months of the bill's issuance usually receive a 2% discount.
• Face Value Period: Payments made after the discount period but before the deadline are due at the standard "face" amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments submitted after the face period deadline are subject to a penalty, typically 10%.

If taxes remain unpaid at the end of the calendar year, they are considered delinquent and are transferred to the Cambria County Tax Claim Bureau, which may eventually initiate a tax sale of the property to recover the outstanding balance.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value does not accurately reflect its fair market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal. The process begins by submitting an appeal application to the Cambria County Board of Assessment Appeals during the designated filing window, which generally occurs annually in the summer. You will be required to provide evidence to support your claim, such as recent appraisals, sales data of comparable properties in your neighborhood, or documentation regarding structural issues. Following your submission, a hearing will be scheduled where you may present your case to the Board. If the Board determines an adjustment is warranted, your assessment will be revised accordingly for the following tax year.