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Lancaster County property tax

Published: 15.04.2023

Example of Lancaster County Property Tax Calculation

If a property is located in Lancaster County, the property tax calculation is based on several factors. These factors include the assessed value of the property, the millage rate set by the county, and any applicable exemptions or deductions.

To calculate the property tax, the assessed value of the property is multiplied by the millage rate. For example, if the assessed value of a property is $100,000 and the millage rate is 10 mills (0.01), the property tax would be $1,000.

It is important to note that exemptions and deductions can impact the final property tax amount. For example, if the property is the primary residence of the owner, they may be eligible for a homestead exemption which can reduce the assessed value of the property and therefore lower the property tax.

Overall, the property tax calculation in Lancaster County takes into account the assessed value of the property, the millage rate, and any applicable exemptions or deductions to determine the final amount owed by the property owner.

If you want appeal your property tax assessment - contact your local tax assessor.

Lancaster County Property Tax Rates

Here are the current Lancaster County Property Tax rates:

Tax Rate per $100 of Assessed Value
County General $0.35
County Library $0.08
Fire Protection $0.10
Hospital $0.02
School District $1.44
Total $1.99

These rates are subject to change and should be confirmed with the appropriate county office.

Who sets property tax rates in Lancaster County ?

Who sets property tax rates in Lancaster County?

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners sets property tax rates in Lancaster County. The Board of Commissioners is made up of five elected officials who serve four-year terms.

When are property tax rates set in Lancaster County?

Property tax rates in Lancaster County are set annually, typically in the fall, following the completion of the county's budget process. The tax rates are based on the county's budget needs for the upcoming year and are reviewed and approved by the Board of Commissioners during public meetings.

Here is a table summarizing the information:

Question Answer
Who sets property tax rates in Lancaster County? The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners
When are property tax rates set in Lancaster County? Annually, typically in the fall, following the completion of the county's budget process

Homestead exemptions in Lancaster County ?

In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, there are several Homestead exemptions and deductions available to eligible homeowners. To make it easy for you to understand, we have created a table with the following columns:

Exemption Eligibility Amount Notes
County Tax Relief Homeowners aged 65 or older, widows, and disabled citizens Up to $650 Must apply by June 30th
Farmstead Homeowners with a qualifying agricultural property Up to 100% of assessed value Must have at least 10 acres of land
Clean and Green Agricultural or forest land owners Reduced assessment value Must meet certain requirements
Disabled Veterans Eligible disabled veterans or surviving spouses Up to 100% of assessed value Must have a 100% disability rating
Educational Tax Exemption Homeowners with a property used for non-profit educational purposes Exempt from all property taxes Must meet certain requirements
Fire and EMS Active volunteer firefighters or EMS personnel Up to $1,000 Must serve for at least 5 years
Homestead/Farmstead All homeowners Up to $650 Must apply by June 30th

It's important to note that there may be additional requirements or limitations for each of these exemptions and deductions. Homeowners should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application process for each exemption before applying.

Overall, these exemptions and deductions can provide significant relief for homeowners in Lancaster County. By taking advantage of these programs, homeowners can reduce their property taxes and save money on their annual bills.

When is Lancaster County Property Tax due ?

Lancaster County Property Tax is typically due by December 31st each year. Here are the payment methods available:

Payment Method Details
Online Payments can be made online through the Lancaster County Treasurer's Office website using a credit card or e-check.
Mail Payments can be mailed to the Lancaster County Treasurer's Office along with a check or money order. The address is listed on the tax statement.
In Person Payments can be made in person at the Lancaster County Treasurer's Office with cash, check, or credit card.

It is important to note that if the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline may be extended to the next business day. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges.

If you have more questions - contact your local tax collector.

How is Lancaster County Property Tax penalty calculated ?

Lancaster County in Pennsylvania assesses property taxes to fund local government services. Property owners are required to pay their taxes on time, and failure to do so results in penalties. Here is how Lancaster County calculates property tax penalties:

  1. Due date: The property tax payments are due by December 31st of each year.
  2. Delinquent date: If the payment is not received by the due date, it becomes delinquent on January 1st of the following year.
  3. Penalty amount: The penalty is calculated based on the amount of unpaid taxes and the number of days late.
  4. Interest rate: The interest rate applied to delinquent taxes is 10% per annum.

For example, suppose a property owner has a tax bill of $5,000 for the year 2021. If the payment is not received by December 31, 2021, the property owner becomes subject to a penalty starting on January 1, 2022.

Here's how the penalty is calculated:

  • The penalty for the first month is 1% of the unpaid balance, which is calculated as $50 (1% of $5,000).
  • The penalty for each additional month is an additional 1% of the unpaid balance, which is calculated as $50 for each month late.

If the property owner pays the tax bill by January 31, 2022, the total amount due would be $5,050 ($5,000 plus $50 penalty). However, if the payment is made on March 31, 2022, the total amount due would be $5,150 ($5,000 plus $100 penalty).

It is important for property owners to pay their taxes on time to avoid penalties and interest charges. If you have any questions about property tax payments or penalties, reach out to the Lancaster County Treasurer's office for assistance.

We recommend contacting the Lancaster County Tax Office or a local tax professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Lancaster County tax offices:


Author: Michael Davis
Bio: Michael is a civil servant based in the United States with a deep understanding of property tax. He uses his expertise to educate homeowners and investors on the intricacies of the property tax system through his blog. Michael believes in empowering his readers with knowledge to make informed decisions about their property taxes. When he's not working, Michael enjoys hiking and exploring the great outdoors.