Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Westmoreland County

Property taxes in Westmoreland County are determined by a combination of the property’s assessed value and the local millage rates set by taxing authorities. The assessment process is managed by the Westmoreland County Assessment Office, which establishes the "base year" value for your property. This value is then multiplied by the common level ratio to determine the assessed value for tax purposes.

Your total tax bill is the sum of levies from three distinct entities: Westmoreland County, your local municipality, and your respective school district. Each entity sets its own millage rate—the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value. Because school district taxes often constitute the largest portion of your bill, fluctuations in local educational funding requirements significantly impact your total annual tax liability.

Available Exemptions

Pennsylvania offers several programs to help homeowners manage their property tax burden. Eligibility requirements vary by program, and applications must typically be filed with the county or state.

• Homestead Exclusion: This provides property tax relief by excluding a portion of the assessed value of your primary residence from school district taxes.
• Senior Citizen Tax Relief: The PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program offers rebates to eligible seniors (65+), widows/widowers (50+), and individuals with disabilities (18+), based on annual income limits.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, may be exempt from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Real estate tax bills are typically issued annually. In Westmoreland County, the standard payment schedule generally follows these milestones:

• Discount Period: Bills paid within the first two months of issuance often qualify for a 2% discount.
• Face Period: Payments made after the discount period but before the deadline are due at the "face" (base) amount.
• Penalty Period: Payments received after the specified deadline are subject to a 10% penalty.

If taxes remain unpaid at the end of the calendar year, the account may be turned over to the Westmoreland County Tax Claim Bureau, where additional fees, interest, and potential lien proceedings may be initiated against the property.

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 Westmoreland County begins by submitting a formal application to the Board of Assessment Appeals. You must provide evidence to support your claim, such as a recent independent appraisal, documentation of recent sales of comparable properties, or proof of structural defects. Once filed, a hearing will be scheduled where you can present your case to the board. It is advisable to review current assessment records before initiating this process.