Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Northampton County

Property taxes in Northampton County are calculated based on the assessed value of your property and the combined millage rates of your local taxing authorities. The assessment process is determined by the County Assessment Division, which establishes an "assessed value" for every parcel. This value is calculated by multiplying the property's market value by the county’s predetermined ratio (currently 100% of the base year value). Your final tax bill is the sum of three distinct levies: the county tax, the municipal (city, borough, or township) tax, and the school district tax. Each of these entities sets its own millage rate annually. One mill represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Therefore, your total tax liability is determined by multiplying your total assessed value by the sum of all applicable millage rates.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs designed to provide tax relief for qualifying residents. It is important to note that these exemptions often require annual applications or specific eligibility criteria:

• Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion: This reduces the assessed value of your primary residence, which lowers the school district property tax portion of your bill.
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: Administered by the state, this program provides rebates to eligible seniors (65+), widows and widowers (50+), and people with disabilities (18+) based on household income.
• Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans who are 100% permanently disabled due to service-connected injuries may be exempt from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence.
• Active Duty Military: Certain protections and deferments may apply to military personnel serving in combat zones.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Northampton County are generally issued in the spring (typically July for county and municipal taxes, and August for school taxes). Most jurisdictions offer a discount period of 2% if paid within the first two months of the billing date. After the discount period, the "face value" amount is due. Once the face period expires, taxes are considered delinquent and are subject to a 10% penalty. Depending on your specific municipality, you may have the option to pay in installments; however, failure to pay the full amount by the final due date—usually December 31st—will result in the account being turned over to the Northampton County Tax Claim Bureau for collection, which may lead to additional interest charges and potential tax sale proceedings.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or higher than the current market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal with the Northampton County Board of Assessment Appeals. The appeal process typically involves submitting an application by the annual deadline, usually in the summer. You must provide evidence to support your claim, such as a recent professional appraisal, comparable sales data of similar properties in your neighborhood, or documentation regarding structural defects. Following your submission, a hearing will be scheduled where you may present your evidence to the Board. It is recommended to consult with a real estate professional or attorney to ensure your documentation is compelling before your hearing date.