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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Forest County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Forest 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
20.91 mills county rate (varies by school district and municipality)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Forest County, Pennsylvania operates under a property tax system that funds essential county services, school districts, and municipal operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and administrative functions. The county assesses properties based on their market value, with taxes calculated using a millage rate system where each mill represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.

Property tax rates in Forest County vary significantly by location within the county due to different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. The county's general purpose tax rate is 20.91 mills for levy year 2025, but property owners also pay additional taxes to their local school district and municipality. The total effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 25-35 mills depending on your specific location, with some areas experiencing higher rates due to special assessments or local improvement districts.

Forest County has experienced extensive residential development, particularly seasonal properties, which can affect local tax rates and special assessments. Property owners should verify their specific tax obligations with their local tax collector, as payment schedules and rates can vary between different taxing jurisdictions within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund20.91Forest County general operations and services
School DistrictVaries*Local school district operations (rate varies by district)
MunicipalVaries*City, borough, or township services
Special DistrictsVaries*Fire districts, library districts, or other special assessments

*Note: School district millage rates for FY 2024-2025 are determined by June 30, 2024. Municipal and special district rates vary significantly by location within Forest County. Contact your local tax collector for your specific combined millage rate.

Levy Year: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year (FY 2025-2026).

Important: Your total property tax rate depends on your specific location within Forest County. Properties in different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts will have different combined rates. Verify your exact millage rate with your local tax collector.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Forest 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 Forest County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or property improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills ensure that property taxes are properly allocated based on current property conditions and ownership.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: change of ownership (purchase/sale), completion of new construction, major renovations or additions that increase property value, subdivision of property, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

Example: If you purchase a home in Forest County in October that was previously under-assessed, and the new assessment increases the property value from $250,000 to $300,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $50,000 difference. At a combined rate of 30 mills, this would equal $1,500 annually, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year (approximately $375 for three months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Assessment increase limited to maximum annual cap
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 30.00 mills (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $9,000
  • Monthly Payment: $750

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Assessment increase limited to maximum annual cap
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 30.00 mills (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $18,000
  • Monthly Payment: $1,500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (if qualified and applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 30.00 mills (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $30,000
  • Monthly Payment: $2,500

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing the base assessed value. Actual tax rates vary by location within Forest County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Forest County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a buffer amount to cover potential rate increases. The escrow account pays your property taxes when they become due in March and July.

Forest County property taxes are typically due twice per year: March payment covers county and municipal taxes, while July payment covers school district taxes. Lenders must pay these bills on time to avoid penalties and interest charges. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, as supplemental taxes or rate changes can affect escrow calculations.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing collected amounts, taxes paid, and any surplus or shortage. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, you may need to increase monthly escrow payments or pay a shortage amount. Contact your lender immediately if you receive supplemental tax bills to ensure proper escrow adjustments.

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 Forest County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are typically due twice per year - March for county and municipal taxes, and July for school district taxes. Contact your local tax collector for exact due dates as they may vary by municipality.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Pennsylvania offers several tax credits including Homestead/Farmstead Credits and Senior Citizen Credits. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied. Contact the Forest County Assessment Office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit does not reduce your property's assessed value. Instead, it caps annual assessment increases to limit year-over-year tax bill growth. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic and must be renewed periodically.

Q: When does Forest County reassess properties? A: Pennsylvania counties conduct property reassessments on varying schedules. Contact the Forest County Assessment Office at the courthouse for information about the next countywide reassessment and appeal deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest and penalty charges. Unpaid taxes can result in tax liens and eventual tax sales. The 2025 tax sale was completed in September 2025 at the Forest County Courthouse.

Q: Can I pay my Forest County property taxes online? A: Payment options vary by municipality and tax collector within Forest County. Contact your local tax collector to inquire about online payment systems, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Forest County? A: Different areas of Forest County are served by different school districts, municipalities, and special districts (fire, library, etc.), each with their own millage rates. Your total rate is the sum of all applicable district rates for your property location.

Q: How do I find my exact property tax rate and payment information? A: Contact your local tax collector or visit the Forest County Courthouse. Your tax bill will show the breakdown of all applicable rates. School district rates are finalized by June 30th each year, so early-year estimates may change.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
County of Forestco.forest.pa.us
02
State
2025-26 Real Estate Tax Ratespa.gov
03
County
forest county assessment office 2024 tax ratesco.forest.pa.us
04
County
Tax Claim - Welcome to Forest County Pennsylvaniaco.forest.pa.us
05
County
Barnett Township - Forest County Pennsylvaniaco.forest.pa.us
06
County
Welcome to Forest County Pennsylvaniaco.forest.pa.us
07
Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion (Act 50)alleghenycounty.us
08
County
Property Tax Burden by Countyifo.state.pa.us
09
County
Property Tax Burden by Countyifo.state.pa.us
10
County
FOREST COUNTY SUBDIVISION & LAND ...co.forest.pa.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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