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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bradford County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bradford 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
11.65 mills total (10.43 county + 1.22 school), varies by district
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bradford County, Pennsylvania operates on a millage-based property tax system that funds essential county services, schools, and local government operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for county government, school districts, and various special taxing districts throughout the county. The effective tax rate varies by location within Bradford County due to different combinations of county, school district, and special district assessments that apply to each property.

For the 2025 tax year, the total real property tax rate is 11.65 mills, which includes 10.43 mills for county operations and 1.22 mills for school district funding. A mill represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. Property owners should note that actual tax rates can vary significantly depending on which special taxing districts serve their specific location, such as municipal authorities, fire districts, or other local assessment districts that may impose additional millage.

The county conducts periodic reassessments to maintain equitable property valuations, and property taxes are collected annually with specific due dates and penalty structures. Property owners are responsible for understanding their tax obligations and applying for any available tax credits, as most relief programs require formal application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County Tax10.43Funds county government operations, courts, public safety, infrastructure
School Tax1.22Supports local school district operations and educational programs
Total Base Rate11.65Combined rate for FY 2025-2026 levy year
Municipal/Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments for fire protection, water/sewer, municipal services
Library DistrictsVariesFunding for public library systems where applicable
Recreation/Park DistrictsVariesParks and recreation facility maintenance and operations

Note: The rates shown above are effective July 1, 2025, for the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Properties located within incorporated municipalities, special service districts, or authority boundaries may be subject to additional millage assessments. Contact the Bradford County Assessment Office at (570) 265-1727 to determine the exact total millage rate applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bradford 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 property taxes in Bradford County are additional tax assessments that occur when there is a change in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes are prorated appropriately when taxable value changes occur between regular assessment periods.

The most common trigger for supplemental taxes is the completion of new construction or major renovations that add assessable value to a property. When a building permit is finaled or a certificate of occupancy is issued, the county assessor evaluates the increased property value and calculates the additional tax owed for the remaining portion of the tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current millage rate to the increase in assessed value, then prorating it based on the number of months remaining in the tax year.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $100,000 addition to their home in January, and the county's total millage rate is 11.65 mills, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 × 0.01165) × (11 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $1,165 × 0.917 = approximately $1,068. This supplemental bill would be issued separately from the regular annual property tax bill and typically has its own due date, usually 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$18,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Tax Rate: 11.65 mills (0.01165)
  • Annual Tax: $282,000 × 0.01165 = $3,285
  • Monthly Escrow: $274

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$18,000 (requires application)
  • Senior Citizen Credit: -$12,000 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $570,000
  • Tax Rate: 11.65 mills (0.01165)
  • Annual Tax: $570,000 × 0.01165 = $6,641
  • Monthly Escrow: $553

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$18,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $982,000
  • Tax Rate: 11.65 mills (0.01165)
  • Annual Tax: $982,000 × 0.01165 = $11,440
  • Monthly Escrow: $953

Important Note: All tax credits shown require formal application through the Bradford County Assessment Office and are not automatically applied. Applications must be submitted by designated deadlines to be effective for the current tax year.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bradford County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders mandate escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, deposits these funds into a separate escrow account, and pays your property taxes directly to Bradford County when they become due on April 30th each year.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected throughout the year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Similarly, if taxes decrease, you may receive a refund of excess escrow funds. The lender must provide you with an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and account balances, typically sent 30 days before your mortgage anniversary date.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has paid property taxes on time by checking the Bradford County tax records online or contacting the Tax Collector's office at (570) 265-1727. While lenders are responsible for making timely payments, property owners remain ultimately liable for any unpaid taxes, penalties, or interest charges. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, ensure that any remaining escrow funds are properly transferred or refunded, and arrange for direct payment of future tax bills.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Bradford County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by April 30th annually. The delinquent period begins May 1st with a one-time penalty of 5% of the gross tax due, plus 1% interest per month on the gross tax amount.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Bradford County offers several tax credits including Homestead Credit and Senior Citizen Credit. All credits require formal application through the Bradford County Assessment Office and are not automatically applied. Contact (570) 265-1727 for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It typically caps annual assessment growth and requires filing an application. This credit does not reduce your property's assessed value but may limit how much your assessment can increase year-over-year.

Q: How often does Bradford County reassess properties? A: Bradford County conducts periodic countywide reassessments to maintain equitable valuations. Property owners receive notice before reassessment and have appeal rights if they disagree with new assessed values.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur a 5% penalty starting May 1st, plus 1% monthly interest on the original tax amount. Continued delinquency may result in tax lien procedures and eventual sheriff's sale.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Bradford County Tax Collector's office at (570) 265-1727 or visit the county website to verify current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties within municipal boundaries, fire districts, library districts, or other special taxing districts pay additional millage beyond the base 11.65 mills. Your total rate depends on your property's specific location and applicable districts.

Q: What should I do if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners have the right to appeal assessments through the Bradford County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes, typically within 40 days of receiving assessment notice.

Q: Are there tax credits for veterans or disabled persons? A: Pennsylvania offers various tax credits for qualifying veterans and disabled persons. Applications and eligibility requirements are available through the Bradford County Assessment Office, and all credits require formal application.

Q: How are supplemental tax bills calculated and when are they due? A: Supplemental taxes are issued for new construction or ownership changes, calculated by applying current millage rates to increased assessed value and prorated for the remaining tax year. These bills typically have separate due dates, usually 30 days from issue date.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
2025-26 Real Estate Tax Ratespa.gov
02
table of contentsbradfordcountypa.gov
03
2025 mill ratesbradfordcountypa.gov
04
State
Real Estate Taxalleghenycountytreasurer.us
05
County
Government | Bradford County, PAbradfordcountypa.gov
06
County
Assessment Office | Bradford County, PAbradfordcountypa.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief Through Homestead Exclusion - PA DCEDdced.pa.gov
08
Homestead Application - PA Department of Community ...dced.pa.gov
09
County
Property Tax Burden by Countyifo.state.pa.us
10
County
county of bradford, pennsylvania financial statements and single ...bradfordcountypa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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