Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Delaware County

Property taxes in Delaware County are calculated based on the assessed value of your property multiplied by the combined millage rates of your local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the County Board of Assessment, which aims to reflect a percentage of the property's fair market value. It is important to distinguish between your market value and your assessed value; the latter is what appears on your tax bill.

The total millage rate is comprised of three distinct parts: the county tax, the municipal (borough or township) tax, and the school district tax. Each of these entities sets their own millage rate annually to fund public services, infrastructure, and education. Because school district taxes typically constitute the largest portion of your total tax burden, variations in millage rates between districts can lead to significant differences in tax liability even for homes with similar assessed values.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs designed to provide tax relief to qualifying residents. While specific eligibility requirements may vary by local jurisdiction, the most common exemptions include:

• Homestead Exclusion: This reduces the assessed value of your primary residence for school district tax purposes, effectively lowering your tax bill.
• Senior Citizen Tax Freeze/Rebate: Low-income seniors (typically 65 and older) may qualify for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which provides a partial refund of property taxes paid.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans who are 100% permanently disabled due to service-connected injuries may be eligible for a full exemption from real estate taxes.
• Disability Exemptions: Certain local municipalities offer specific tax relief for residents with permanent disabilities; you should contact your local tax office to verify local ordinances.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Delaware County are generally mailed in the early part of the year. The payment schedule typically follows a three-tiered structure:

• Discount Period: Payments made within the first two months often qualify for a 2% discount.
• Face Value Period: Payments made during this window are due at the standard amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments received after the deadline are subject to a penalty, usually 10%, and may accrue interest if left unpaid for an extended duration.

Failure to pay property taxes can lead to the placement of a tax lien on your property, which could eventually result in a tax sale. Always verify the specific due dates printed on your bill, as they can vary by municipality.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or higher than the fair market value of comparable properties in your area, you have the right to file a formal appeal. The appeal process in Delaware County is conducted through the Board of Assessment Appeals. You must provide evidence, such as recent appraisals, sales data of similar homes, or documentation of structural issues, to support your claim. Appeals must be filed by the designated annual deadline, typically in early autumn, to be considered for the following tax year.