Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Pike County

Property taxes in Pike County are determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the combined millage rates of the county, your local municipality, and your school district. The Pike County Assessment Office establishes the assessed value of your property, which is intended to represent a percentage of the property’s fair market value. It is important to note that the assessed value is not necessarily the same as the market price you might see on a real estate website.

The millage rate is the tax rate applied to your assessed value. One "mill" represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Your total tax bill is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the sum of the county, municipal, and school district millage rates. Because school district taxes often constitute the largest portion of your tax bill, fluctuations in local educational funding requirements significantly impact your annual total.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs designed to provide property tax relief to eligible homeowners. While specific eligibility requirements can vary, common exemptions include:

• Homestead Exclusion: This provides a reduction in the assessed value of your primary residence, lowering the amount of school property tax you owe. You must apply through your local school district office.
• Senior Citizens and Disability Relief: The PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (administered at the state level) provides rebates to eligible seniors (65+) and individuals with permanent disabilities who meet specific income guidelines.
• 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 in Pike County are typically issued in the early part of the year. The payment schedule generally follows a tiered structure:

• Discount Period: Payments made within the first two months of the bill’s issuance are often eligible for a 2% discount.
• Face Value Period: Payments made after the discount period but before the deadline are due at the "face" amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments received after the established deadline are subject to a penalty, usually 10%, and may be turned over to the Pike County Tax Claim Bureau for collection if left unpaid, which can lead to additional fees and interest.

Always verify the specific due dates on your printed tax statement, as municipal schedules can vary.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate or higher than the fair market value of similar properties in your area, you have the right to file a formal appeal. The appeal process in Pike County typically occurs annually. You must file a petition with the Pike County Board of Assessment Appeals by the mandated deadline, usually in the summer months. During the hearing, you will be required to provide evidence—such as independent appraisals, recent sales data of comparable homes, or photos—to support your claim that your assessment should be lowered. If you are dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, you may further appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.