Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Centre County

Property taxes in Centre County are determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the combined millage rates of the county, your local municipality, and your school district. The Centre County Assessment Office is responsible for maintaining property records and establishing the assessed value, which is based on the Common Level Ratio applied to the property's market value. A "mill" is defined as one-tenth of a cent ($1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value). To calculate your annual tax liability, your assessed value is multiplied by the total millage rate (County + Municipal + School District). Because millage rates fluctuate annually based on budgetary requirements, your tax bill may change even if your property assessment remains constant.

Available Exemptions

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

• Homestead Exclusion: This program reduces the assessed value of your primary residence, thereby lowering the school district tax portion of your bill. You must reside in the home as your primary dwelling to qualify.
• Senior Citizen Tax Relief: The PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates to eligible seniors (65+), widows/widowers (50+), and individuals with disabilities (18+). Eligibility is based on annual household income.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans who are 100% permanently disabled due to a service-connected injury may be exempt from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence.
• Abatements: Local taxing bodies may offer tax abatement programs for new construction or improvements to existing structures, often referred to as LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance).

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills are typically issued in the summer. Payments are generally structured with a tiered discount and penalty system:

• Discount Period: Payments made within the first two months of the bill issuance date usually qualify for a 2% discount.
• Face Period: Payments made after the discount period but before the deadline are due at "face value."
• Penalty Period: Payments received after the deadline are subject to a 10% penalty.

Failure to pay property taxes can lead to a tax lien being placed against your property. If taxes remain delinquent for an extended period, the property may be subject to a judicial tax sale. Contact your local tax collector’s office for specific installment plan availability.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property assessment does not accurately reflect its fair market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal with the Centre County Board of Assessment Appeals. The deadline for filing appeals is typically August 1st each year. You must provide evidence to support your claim, such as recent appraisals, comparable sales data (comps) of similar properties in your neighborhood, or documentation regarding property damage. The Board will schedule a hearing where you can present your evidence before a final determination is made.