Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Huntingdon County

Property taxes in Huntingdon County are calculated based on the assessed value of your property and the combined millage rates set by three taxing authorities: the County, your local municipality (borough or township), and your school district. The assessment process is governed by the County Assessment Office, which determines the "assessed value" of your property. This is derived by applying the county’s predetermined ratio to the property’s base-year market value. A millage rate represents the tax amount per $1,000 of assessed value. To estimate your annual tax liability, multiply your property’s assessed value by the total millage rate and divide by 1,000. It is important to note that school district taxes typically constitute the largest portion of your total tax bill.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs designed to provide tax relief to eligible homeowners. While specific eligibility criteria can vary, the following exemptions are standard across the state:

• Homestead Exclusion: This provides a reduction in the assessed value of your primary residence, which directly lowers the school district portion of your property tax bill.
• Senior Citizen Tax Relief: The Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program offers rebates to income-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 qualify for a full exemption from real estate taxes on their primary residence.
• Active Military Exemption: Certain tax relief is available for members of the military serving on active duty under specific deployment conditions.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Huntingdon County are generally issued in the spring. Most jurisdictions follow a tiered payment schedule to encourage timely settlement:

• Discount Period: Payments made within the first two months of the bill issuance are typically eligible for a 2% discount.
• Face Period: Payments made during the subsequent two-month period are due at the "face" or base amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments made after the face period deadline are subject to a 10% penalty.

Failure to pay taxes by the end of the calendar year may result in your property being turned over to the County Tax Claim Bureau, which can lead to the placement of a tax lien on your property or, in extreme cases, a judicial tax sale.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or higher than the market value of comparable properties in your area, you have the right to file a formal appeal. The appeal process in Huntingdon County begins with the Board of Assessment Appeals. You must submit a formal application by the annual deadline, typically in the late summer or early fall. During the hearing, you will be required to provide evidence to support your claim, such as an independent appraisal, documentation of recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood, or photographs showing significant property condition issues. It is recommended to gather all documentation well in advance to ensure a strong case before the Board.