Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Lackawanna County

Property taxes in Lackawanna County are determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the total millage rate. The assessment process is based on the property’s "base year" value, which is intended to reflect the market value of the property at the time of the last county-wide reassessment. To calculate your annual tax liability, the assessed value is multiplied by the combined millage rate set by your local taxing authorities, which include the county, your specific municipality, and the local school district. A "mill" represents one dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs designed to provide tax relief to eligible homeowners. It is important to note that these programs often require an annual application process:

• Homestead Exclusion: This reduces the assessed value of your primary residence, thereby lowering the school district property tax burden for qualifying homeowners.
• Senior Citizen Tax Relief: The Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates to eligible seniors (65+), widows/widowers (50+), and people with disabilities (18+) based on income thresholds.
• 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 on their primary residence.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills are typically issued in early spring. In Lackawanna County, the payment schedule is generally structured as follows:

• Discount Period: Homeowners can usually pay their bill at a 2% discount if submitted by the early deadline, typically within the first two months of the bill's issuance.
• Face Period: Payments made after the discount period but before the deadline are paid at the "face" or base amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments made after the final deadline are subject to a late penalty, usually 10%. Continued delinquency may result in the account being turned over to the County Tax Claim Bureau, which can lead to liens or property sale.

Always verify specific dates with your local tax collector, as municipal and school district deadlines can vary slightly across the county.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or does not reflect current market conditions, you have the right to file an appeal with the Lackawanna County Board of Assessment Appeals. The process requires submitting a formal appeal application by the annual deadline, typically in the late summer or early fall. During the hearing, you must provide evidence to support your claim, such as an independent appraisal, documentation of recent sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood, or evidence of structural issues. Successful appeals result in an adjusted assessment, which will be reflected in future tax billings.