Example of Westmoreland County Property Tax Calculation
In Westmoreland County, property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of the property. To calculate the property tax, the assessed value of the property is multiplied by the millage rate. The millage rate is a tax rate expressed in mills, which is equal to 1/10 of a cent.
For example, if the assessed value of a property is $100,000 and the millage rate is 20 mills, the property tax would be calculated as follows:
$100,000 (assessed value) x 0.02 (millage rate expressed in decimal form) = $2,000 (property tax)
It is important to note that the millage rate can vary depending on the municipality and school district in which the property is located. Additionally, there may be additional taxes or fees assessed by the county or state.
If you want appeal your property tax assessment - contact your local tax assessor.
Westmoreland County Property Tax Rates
The table below displays the Westmoreland County Property Tax rates for the current fiscal year in US dollars per $100 of assessed property value:
| Tax Type | Rate per $100 of Assessed Value |
|---|---|
| County General | $2.87 |
| County Debt Service | $0.35 |
| Municipal | Varies by Municipality |
| School District | Varies by School District |
It is important to note that the municipal and school district tax rates may vary based on the specific location within the county. Property owners are encouraged to contact their local tax assessor's office for more information.
Who sets property tax rates in Westmoreland County ?
Who sets property tax rates in Westmoreland County?
The Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners is responsible for setting the property tax rates in the county.
When are property tax rates set in Westmoreland County?
Property tax rates in Westmoreland County are set annually and are typically finalized in December for the following year.
How are property tax rates determined in Westmoreland County?
Property tax rates in Westmoreland County are determined based on the county's budget needs and the assessed value of properties in the county. The Board of Commissioners reviews the proposed budget and determines the necessary tax rate to support it.
How are property values assessed in Westmoreland County?
The Westmoreland County Assessment Office assesses property values annually based on current market trends and property improvements. Property owners have the right to appeal their assessed value if they believe it is incorrect.
| Task | Information |
|---|---|
| Who sets property tax rates | Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners |
| When are property tax rates set | Annually, typically in December for the following year |
| How are property tax rates determined | Based on the county's budget needs and assessed values of properties |
| How are property values assessed | By the Westmoreland County Assessment Office annually |
Homestead exemptions in Westmoreland County ?
To better understand the Homestead exemptions and deductions in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, let's take a look at the various columns that will help explain the different aspects of these exemptions.
Table Columns
The following table columns provide an overview of the Homestead exemptions and deductions in Westmoreland County:
| Column | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Exemption | Describes the specific exemption offered in Westmoreland County. |
| Eligibility | Outlines the qualifications that must be met to be eligible for the exemption. |
| Amount | Indicates the value of the exemption or deduction. |
| Notes | Provides additional information or conditions related to the exemption or deduction. |
Westmoreland County Homestead Exemptions and Deductions
The following exemptions and deductions are available for eligible homeowners in Westmoreland County:
| Exemption | Eligibility | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion | Property must be the homeowner's primary residence or the primary residence of a qualifying family member. Property must also be assessed at a maximum of $135,000. | Up to 50% of the assessed value of the property. | This exclusion applies to school district property taxes. |
| Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze/Property Tax Relief | The homeowner must be at least 65 years old and have owned their property for at least 10 years. | The amount of the property tax increase resulting from an increase in the property's assessed value. | Property must be the homeowner's primary residence. Applications for this exemption must be filed with the county assessment office. |
| Active Military and Veterans Homestead Exclusion | The homeowner must have been honorably discharged from the military or be a member of the military currently serving. | Up to 100% of the assessed value of the property. | This exclusion applies to school district property taxes. Property must be the homeowner's primary residence. |
| Blind/Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption | The homeowner must have served in the military and have a disability rating of at least 100% or be declared legally blind. | Up to $1,000 | The exemption applies to county and municipal property taxes. |
| Totally Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption | The homeowner must have served in the military and have a disability rating of at least 100%. | Up to $1,000 | The exemption applies to county and municipal property taxes. |
| Totally Disabled Person Real Estate Tax Exemption | The homeowner must have a disability rating of at least 100%. | Up to $1,000 | The exemption applies to county and municipal property taxes. |
| Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption | The homeowner must have served in the military and have a disability rating of at least 50%. | Up to $500 | The exemption applies to county and municipal property taxes. |
| Natural Resources and Open Space Protection Property Tax Reduction (Clean and Green) | Property must be used for agriculture, timber or open space. | Varies depending on the type of land use. | This reduction applies to county and municipal property taxes and also includes school district taxes if the property is used for agricultural purposes. Applications for this reduction must be filed with the county assessment office. |
It's important to note that some of these exemptions and deductions may have additional requirements or conditions that must be met. Homeowners should contact their county assessment office or tax collector for more information on how to apply for these exemptions or deductions.
When is Westmoreland County Property Tax due ?
Westmoreland County Property Tax is typically due on March 31st of each year. However, in the case of a weekend or holiday, the due date may be extended to the next business day.
There are several payment methods available for Westmoreland County Property Tax. These include:
| Payment Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | The most convenient way to pay is through the county's online payment portal. This method accepts credit and debit cards and electronic checks. |
| Payment can also be made by mailing a check or money order to the county treasurer's office. The address is provided on the tax bill. | |
| In Person | Payments can be made in person at the treasurer's office during regular business hours. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, checks, and money orders. |
| Drop Box | For after-hours payments, taxpayers can use the drop box located outside the treasurer's office. |
It is important to note that failure to make timely payments can result in penalties and interest charges. Therefore, it is recommended that taxpayers make their payments on or before the due date to avoid any additional fees.
If you have more questions - contact your local tax collector.
How is Westmoreland County Property Tax penalty calculated ?
Westmoreland County Property Tax Penalty Calculation
Westmoreland County imposes penalties for late payment of property taxes. The penalty is calculated based on the total amount of unpaid taxes and the number of days past the due date. The penalty rate is set at 10% per annum, or 0.0274% per day.
Here's an example of how the penalty is calculated:
| Date Due | Amount Due | Date Paid | Days Late | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2021 | $1,000 | April 15, 2021 | 15 | $4.11 |
| March 31, 2021 | $1,000 | May 1, 2021 | 32 | $8.77 |
| March 31, 2021 | $1,000 | June 15, 2021 | 76 | $20.81 |
In the above example, the property tax due date is March 31, 2021, and the amount due is $1,000. If the tax is paid on April 15, 2021, which is 15 days past the due date, the penalty would be $4.11, calculated as follows:
Penalty = (Amount Due x Penalty Rate x Days Late) / 365 Penalty = ($1,000 x 0.0274% x 15) / 365 Penalty = $4.11
Similarly, if the tax is paid on May 1, 2021, which is 32 days past the due date, the penalty would be $8.77. If the tax is paid on June 15, 2021, which is 76 days past the due date, the penalty would be $20.81.
It's important to note that penalties will continue to accrue until the tax is paid in full. Therefore, it's recommended that taxpayers pay their property taxes on time to avoid penalties.
We recommend contacting the Westmoreland County Tax Office or a local tax professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.