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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Centre County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.784 per $100 assessed value (county rate only, varies by district with school and municipal taxes)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Centre County, Pennsylvania operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, emergency services, county operations, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are levied based on assessed valuations established by the Centre County Board of Assessment Appeals, with the current county tax rate set at $0.784 per $100 of assessed valuation for the 2025-2026 levy year.

The effective property tax rate in Centre County varies significantly by location due to overlapping taxing districts including school districts, municipalities, and special assessment districts. While the base county rate applies uniformly, property owners may face additional levies from their local school district, township or borough government, and special districts for services like fire protection or library funding. This layered approach means two properties with identical assessed values in different parts of Centre County can have substantially different total tax bills.

Property assessments in Centre County aim to reflect fair market value, though Pennsylvania law allows counties flexibility in their assessment ratios. Property owners receive annual tax bills typically due September 1st, and new construction or ownership transfers may trigger supplemental tax assessments for partial-year occupancy.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
Centre County Base Levy$0.784County operations, services, debt service for FY 2025-2026
School District LevyVaries by districtLocal school district operations and capital improvements
Municipal LevyVaries by municipalityTownship/borough services, local infrastructure
Special District AssessmentsVaries by locationFire districts, library districts, other special services

Note: The Centre County base rate of $0.784 per $100 applies to all properties within the county for levy year 2025-2026, adopted December 23, 2025. Additional taxes from school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts vary significantly by property location. Total effective rates typically range from $1.50 to $3.00 per $100 of assessed value depending on the specific combination of taxing districts serving each property. Property owners should contact the Centre County Tax Claim Bureau or their local tax collector to determine their complete tax rate structure.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Centre 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 Centre County are additional assessments issued when new construction is completed or significant improvements are made to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental bills cover the partial-year period from when the improvement was completed or occupied until the end of the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the increased assessed value due to the new construction or improvement, then applying the full tax rate for the prorated period. For example, if a new home worth $400,000 is completed and occupied on March 1st, the owner would receive a supplemental bill covering 10 months (March through December) of taxes on the full assessed value. The Centre County Board of Assessment at 420 Holmes Street handles the assessment process for new construction and determines when supplemental taxes apply.

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from annual tax bills and have their own due dates. Property owners should budget for these additional costs when completing new construction or major renovations, as the supplemental amount can represent a significant portion of a full year's tax liability depending on when during the year the project is completed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Tax Credits: Homestead Credit (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (credits reduce tax bill, not assessed value)
  • Tax Rate: $2.20 per $100 (estimated total including school/municipal)
  • Annual Tax: $6,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $550

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Available Tax Credits: Homestead Credit + Senior Citizen Credit (both require application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.40 per $100 (estimated total including districts)
  • Annual Tax Before Credits: $14,400
  • Annual Tax After Credits: ~$13,800 (with typical credit applications)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,150

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Tax Credits: Homestead Credit (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.60 per $100 (estimated total including districts)
  • Annual Tax Before Credits: $26,000
  • Annual Tax After Credits: ~$25,200 (with homestead credit)
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,100

Note: Tax credits require annual application and reduce the final tax bill rather than the assessed value. Actual rates vary by specific location within Centre County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Centre County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders mandate escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, depositing these funds into a separate escrow account to pay property taxes when due.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting monthly payments if necessary. Since Centre County property taxes are generally due September 1st annually, lenders usually pay the tax bill on behalf of the property owner in late August or early September. Property owners should receive an escrow statement showing when taxes were paid and the remaining account balance.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender receives and pays all applicable tax bills, including any supplemental assessments for new construction. If you receive a tax bill directly, contact your lender immediately to ensure proper payment. For properties without escrow, owners are responsible for budgeting and paying taxes directly to the appropriate tax collector by the September 1st deadline.

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 Centre County property taxes due for the 2025-2026 tax year? A: Property taxes are due September 1, 2026, for the current levy year. Late payments may incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common tax credits include Homestead/Farmstead Credit and Senior Citizen Credit. These credits reduce your final tax bill and require annual application through the Centre County Assessment Office. Applications typically have spring deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires filing an application and provides ongoing protection against large assessment jumps, typically capping increases at 10% annually.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Centre County? A: Pennsylvania counties set their own reassessment schedules. Contact the Centre County Board of Assessment Appeals for current reassessment timelines and appeal procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. Properties with extended delinquencies may eventually face tax sale proceedings through the Centre County Tax Claim Bureau.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Centre County Tax Claim Bureau or your local tax collector to inquire about online payment options, as availability varies by municipality.

Q: Why did I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental bills are issued for new construction, major improvements, or ownership changes that occur during the tax year. They cover the partial-year period from completion/occupancy to year-end.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes from fire districts, library districts, or other special purpose governments. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by property location.

Q: Who do I contact to appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals are handled by the Centre County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes following reassessment notices.

Q: Are there property tax relief programs for low-income residents? A: Pennsylvania offers various property tax relief programs. Contact the Centre County Assessment Office to learn about available programs and application requirements for your situation.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
commonwealth of pennsylvaniacentrecountypa.gov
02
Homestead Farmstead Exclusion Amounts.xlsxcentrecountypa.gov
03
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDAcentrecountypa.gov
04
Tax Doc
TAX CLAIM BUREAUcentrecountypa.gov
05
Tax Doc
Homestead/Farmstead Tax Relief Act of 2006centrecountypa.gov
06
County
Property & Taxes | Centre County, PA - Official Websitecentrecountypa.gov
07
Supplemental Ordinancescentrecountypa.gov
08
Tax Doc
Tax | Patton Township, PAtwp.patton.pa.us
09
County
Government | Centre County, PA - Official Websitecentrecountypa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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