Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Lycoming County

In Lycoming County, property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your real estate and the combined millage rates of your local taxing authorities. The assessment process is managed by the County Assessment Office, which determines the "assessed value" by applying the county’s predetermined ratio to the property's fair market value. Once the assessed value is established, it is multiplied by the millage rates set annually by the County, the local municipality, and the school district where the property is located. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Because these rates fluctuate based on budgetary needs, your total tax burden is a reflection of these three distinct taxing entities.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs designed to provide tax relief for qualifying homeowners. These exemptions can significantly reduce your annual tax liability if you meet specific criteria:

• Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion: This program reduces the assessed value of a primary residence, thereby lowering the school district tax bill. You must apply through the county assessment office and live in the property as your primary domicile.
• Senior Citizens Property Tax Rebate: Administered by the state, this program provides rebates to eligible residents aged 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older, subject to income limitations.
• 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.
• Keystone Principles: Certain improvements to properties in designated areas may qualify for local tax abatements under the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Lycoming County are typically issued in the spring and summer, depending on the jurisdiction. The standard payment schedule usually includes a "discount period," a "face value period," and a "penalty period."

• Discount Period: Payments made within the first two months often qualify for a 2% discount.
• Face Value: Payments made after the discount period but before the deadline are paid at the original bill amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments received after the due date incur a penalty, typically 10%. Continued delinquency may result in the claim being turned over to the County Tax Claim Bureau, which can lead to legal liens or the eventual sale of the property at a tax sale.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or does not reflect the current market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal. The process begins with the Lycoming County Board of Assessment Appeals. You must file your appeal by the annual deadline, typically in the late summer or early fall. During the hearing, you will be required to provide evidence, such as recent appraisals, sales data of comparable properties, or documentation of physical defects that may lower the property’s value. It is recommended to consult with a professional appraiser or legal counsel to ensure your evidence is compelling.