Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Crawford County

Property taxes in Crawford County are determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the combined millage rates of your local taxing authorities. The assessment process is managed by the Crawford County Assessment Office, which establishes the market value of properties based on county-wide standards. To reach the assessed value, the market value is multiplied by the county’s predetermined ratio (the Common Level Ratio).

The total tax bill is calculated by multiplying your assessed value by the sum of the millage rates set by three distinct entities: the county government, your local municipality (borough or township), and your school district. A "mill" represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Because school district budgets often represent the largest share of your tax burden, your total millage rate will fluctuate depending on your specific school district boundaries.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs to help eligible homeowners reduce their property tax liability. It is important to note that these programs are governed by state law and administered at the county or local level:

• Homestead Exclusion: This reduces the assessed value of your primary residence, typically applying only to school district property taxes. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence 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+). 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 eligible for a full exemption from real estate taxes on their primary residence.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills are typically issued annually. In Crawford County, most jurisdictions follow a standard timeline to encourage timely payments:

• Discount Period: Bills paid within the first two months of issuance usually receive a 2% discount.
• Face Period: Payments made after the discount period but before the final deadline are paid at the "face" or base amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments received after the statutory deadline are subject to a 10% penalty.

Failure to pay property taxes by the end of the calendar year may result in the account being turned over to the Crawford County Tax Claim Bureau, where additional fees, interest, and potential tax sale proceedings may occur. Contact your local tax collector to confirm if installment payment plans are available in your specific municipality.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or exceeds its fair market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal with the Crawford County Board of Assessment Appeals. The appeal process generally occurs during a specific window each year, usually concluding by early fall. You must provide evidence to support your claim, such as recent appraisals, sales data of comparable properties in your neighborhood, or documentation regarding structural issues. The Board will hold a hearing to review your evidence before issuing a final determination on your assessment.