Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Cumberland County

Property taxes in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County Assessment Office, which establishes the "base year" value for all properties. The millage rate represents the tax per $1,000 of assessed value. To calculate your annual tax burden, the county takes your assessed value, multiplies it by the local millage rate (which includes levies from the county, your specific municipality, and your school district), and divides by 1,000.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs designed to provide tax relief to eligible homeowners. It is important to note that these exemptions are typically administered at the state or local level and may have specific income or residency requirements:

• Homestead Exclusion: This reduces the assessed value of your primary residence, which in turn lowers the amount of school district property taxes you pay.
• Senior Citizen Property Tax Rebate: Administered through 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 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 generally issued in the spring. In Cumberland County, the timeline typically follows a discount, face, and penalty structure:

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

If taxes remain unpaid by the end of the calendar year, they are considered delinquent and are turned over to the Cumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, where additional interest and costs will accrue, potentially leading to a tax sale of the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or higher than its fair market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal. The process begins with the Cumberland County Board of Assessment Appeals. You must file your appeal by the annual deadline, which is typically set for August 1st. When filing, you are encouraged 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 the submission, a hearing will be scheduled where you can present your case to the board before a final decision is rendered.