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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Carbon County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Carbon 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
Approximately 1% of assessed value (varies significantly by municipality and school district)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Carbon County, Pennsylvania operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, and municipal services. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with tax rates determined annually by the County Board of Assessment and Revision in coordination with local municipalities and school districts.

The effective tax rate in Carbon County typically ranges around 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location, as residents may be subject to additional assessments from local municipalities, school districts, and special service districts. The county conducts periodic reassessments to maintain equitable property valuations across all districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Base LevyVaries annuallyGeneral county operations and services
School District TaxVaries by districtLocal school district funding
Municipal TaxVaries by municipalityCity/township services and operations
Special AssessmentsAs applicableFire districts, library districts, other special services

Note: The 2025 tax year rates are set annually by the Board of Assessment and Revision. Exact millage rates vary by specific location within Carbon County due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. Property owners should contact the County Assessment Office for their specific rate calculation based on their parcel's taxing district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Carbon 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 Carbon County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These assessments are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in January and the improvement increases the assessed value by $80,000, they would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional tax owed on that $80,000 increase for the remainder of the tax year. The supplemental bill would be calculated using the same tax rate as the regular property tax bill but applied only to the increased assessed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Assessment increase limitation
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Assessment increase limitation
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior Citizens Credit (if qualified): Varies based on income
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (or reduced amount)
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $10,000 (or reduced amount)
  • Monthly Escrow: $833 (or reduced amount)

Note: All credits require application and qualification. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Carbon County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. The lender pays property taxes directly to the county when due on July 31st each year.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has received the correct tax bill and that escrow payments are adequate to cover the full annual tax obligation. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, the lender will adjust monthly escrow payments accordingly. Property owners can request an escrow analysis annually to ensure proper funding levels and avoid escrow shortages.

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 property taxes due in Carbon County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due by July 31st. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Carbon County offers several tax credits including Homestead Credits and Senior Citizens Credits. All credits require application by March 1st annually through the County Assessment Office. Applications are not automatic and must be renewed as required.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, not the market value itself. You must apply by March 1st each year, and the property must be your primary residence. This credit caps assessment growth rather than reducing the base assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Carbon County? A: Carbon County conducts periodic countywide reassessments as determined by the Board of Assessment and Revision. Property owners are notified when reassessments occur and have appeal rights.

Q: What is the deadline for assessment appeals? A: Assessment appeals must be filed by September 1st following the assessment notice. Appeals are heard by the Board of Assessment and Revision.

Q: Are there penalties for late tax payments? A: Yes, penalties and interest accrue on unpaid taxes after the July 31st due date. Contact the Tax Assessment Bureau for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Carbon County Tax Assessment Bureau to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special district taxes vary by location within Carbon County based on services like fire protection, library districts, or municipal services. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary by the specific districts serving your property location.

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
County
2025 Carbon County Real Estate Millagescarboncountypa.gov
03
MARCH 20, 2025carboncountypa.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Assessmentcarboncountypa.gov
05
Public Service Announcementweatherlypa.gov
06
Tax Doc
TAX CLAIM BUREAUcarboncountypa.gov
07
Homestead/Farmstead Exclusioncarboncountypa.gov
08
County
County Application for Homestead Exemptionpacodeandbulletin.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief Through Homestead Exclusion - PA DCEDdced.pa.gov
10
County
A G E N D A - Carbon Countycarboncountypa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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