Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Northumberland County

Property taxes in Northumberland County are calculated based on the assessed value of your real estate multiplied by the total millage rate. The assessment process is conducted by the County Assessment Office, which determines the "assessed value" of your property. This value is derived from the common level ratio applied to the market value of the property, rather than the raw market value itself. Once the assessed value is established, the county, local municipality, and school district each set their own "millage rate"—a tax rate expressed in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. To estimate your annual tax burden, the formula is: (Assessed Value / 1,000) x Total Millage Rate.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs to help homeowners reduce their property tax liabilities, though eligibility often depends on specific state statutes and local adoption:

• Homestead Exclusion: This provides a reduction in the assessed value of your primary residence, which lowers the school district tax portion of your bill.
• Senior Citizens Property Tax Rebate: Administered by the state, this program provides rebates to eligible seniors (65+), widows/widowers (50+), and people with disabilities (18+) based on income levels.
• 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 annually. In Northumberland County, tax bills are generally mailed in the summer, with specific deadlines established by local tax collectors. Payment schedules usually follow a tiered structure:

• Discount Period: Payments made within the first two months of the bill date are often eligible for a 2% discount.
• Face Value Period: Payments made during the subsequent two-month window are due at the standard "face" amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments submitted after the face period are subject to a 10% penalty.

If taxes remain unpaid after the end of the calendar year, they are considered delinquent and may be turned over to the Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, which can lead to additional interest, costs, and potential tax sale proceedings.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or does not reflect its current market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal with the Northumberland County Board of Assessment Appeals. The process generally requires you to file a petition by the annual deadline, usually in the summer months. You will be required to provide evidence to support your claim, such as a professional appraisal, recent sales data of comparable properties in your neighborhood, or evidence of structural defects. A hearing will be scheduled where you may present your case before the Board, after which a written decision will be issued regarding your assessment.