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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Berks County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Berks County, PA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
9.013 mills county rate + school district + municipal taxes (varies by location)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Berks County, Pennsylvania operates on a millage-based property tax system that funds essential county services, schools, and local municipalities. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for public education, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and county government operations. The county uses a market value assessment system where properties are periodically reassessed to reflect current market conditions.

Property tax rates in Berks County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. The county portion for 2025 is set at 9.013 mills, but your total effective rate will be higher when combined with school district taxes, municipal taxes, and any special district assessments. Most homeowners can expect total effective rates ranging from approximately 15 to 25 mills, depending on their specific taxing jurisdictions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County Tax9.013Base county services, effective January 1, 2025
School District TaxVaries by district12-16 mills typical range depending on specific school district
Municipal TaxVaries by municipalityCity, borough, or township taxes (typically 2-8 mills)
Special DistrictsVaries if applicableFire districts, library districts, or other special assessments

Note: The rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. Your total millage rate depends on your specific location within Berks County. School district taxes typically represent the largest portion of your property tax bill. Some areas may have additional special district taxes for services like fire protection or libraries that are not countywide.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Berks County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Berks County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, major renovations, property transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments discovered by the county assessor's office.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by your total millage rate, and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 addition to your home is completed in July and your total tax rate is 20 mills, you would owe supplemental taxes of approximately $500 (($50,000 × 0.020) ÷ 2) for the remaining half of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Caps assessment increases only
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Total Tax Rate: 20 mills (example combining all districts)
  • Annual Tax: $6,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $500

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Caps future assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Total Tax Rate: 18 mills (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $10,800
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $900

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Total Tax Rate: 22 mills (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $22,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,833

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits primarily limit future assessment increases rather than reducing current assessed values.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Berks County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Berks County when they become due, typically by December 31st each year.

Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-6 months of tax payments in your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available. Your escrow account is analyzed annually, and your monthly payment may be adjusted based on actual tax bills and account balance. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. You'll receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and account activity, and you have the right to request account information at any time.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Berks County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due by December 31st each year. For the 2025 tax year, the deadline is December 31, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Tax Relief, which caps assessment increases on your primary residence. You must own the property and it must be your primary residence. Applications are required and are not automatic - contact the Berks County Assessment Office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit doesn't reduce your current assessed value but limits future assessment increases when your property is reassessed. You must apply for this benefit - it's not automatically granted. The property must be your primary residence and you must be the owner.

Q: When does Berks County reassess properties? A: Berks County conducts periodic countywide reassessments, though the schedule varies. Individual properties may be reassessed due to sales, improvements, or appeals. Property owners can appeal assessments, with deadlines typically in August following the tax year.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Berks County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you're unable to pay by the December 31st deadline.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Berks County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by mail, in person, or through authorized payment services.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if tax rates didn't change? A: Tax bills can increase due to rising assessed values from reassessment, new construction, property improvements, or changes in applicable tax credits. Even with stable tax rates, increasing property values result in higher tax bills.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment through the Berks County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed by August 1st following the tax year in question (e.g., by August 1, 2026 for 2025 taxes).

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
New County Real Estate Tax Rateberkspa.gov
02
State
2025-26 Real Estate Tax Ratespa.gov
03
County
Berks County 2025 Proposed Budgetberkspa.gov
04
There is a twenty-one (21) month process from the time the ...berkspa.gov
05
County
Berks County Assessment Appeal Formberkspa.gov
06
Online Current Year Paymentsberkspa.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead / Farmstead Tax Relief Programberkspa.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief Through Homestead Exclusion - PA DCEDdced.pa.gov
09
General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanialgc.state.pa.us
10
Pennsylvaniairs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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