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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Franklin 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
29.1 mills (county only), varies by district with school and municipal taxes added
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Pennsylvania operates under a property tax system that funds essential county services, including public safety, infrastructure, courts, and administrative functions. The county's property tax rate for 2025 remains at 29.1 mills, representing no change from previous years as part of the $162.7 million county budget. Property owners in Franklin County should note that their total property tax burden includes not only county taxes but also school district and municipal taxes, which vary significantly by location within the county.

The effective tax rate for property owners depends on their specific location within Franklin County, as different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts impose additional millage rates beyond the base county rate. Property taxes are assessed on the market value of real estate and are the primary funding mechanism for local government services. The county assessment office maintains property valuations, while the tax collector's office handles billing and collection of property taxes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)DescriptionLevy Year
County Base Rate29.1Core county services, administration, public safety2025
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and capital improvements2025
MunicipalVariesCity, township, or borough services2025
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, sewer authorities, other special assessments2025

Note: The 29.1 mill county rate applies uniformly across Franklin County, but total property tax bills vary significantly by location due to different school district rates (typically 15-25 mills), municipal rates (0-15 mills), and special district assessments. Property owners should contact their local tax collector for their complete millage breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin 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 tax bills, also referred to as interim bills in Franklin County, are issued when property improvements or changes occur that have not been previously assessed. These special assessments are triggered by new construction, major renovations, additions, or other property enhancements that increase the assessed value after the regular assessment period. The supplemental tax represents the additional tax owed on the increased assessed value from the date the improvement was completed or substantially finished.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in June, and the county's total millage rate is 45 mills, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $50,000 improvement value prorated from June through the end of the tax year. This would result in an additional tax of approximately $1,458 (($50,000 × 0.045) × 7/12 months), which would be billed separately from the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • County Tax (29.1 mills): $8,730
  • Estimated School District (20 mills): $6,000
  • Estimated Municipal (5 mills): $1,500
  • Annual Total: $16,230
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,353

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exclusion

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Assessment Cap Benefit: ~$200
  • County Tax (29.1 mills): $17,400
  • Estimated School District (20 mills): $12,000
  • Estimated Municipal (5 mills): $3,000
  • Annual Total: $32,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,683

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • County Tax (29.1 mills): $29,100
  • Estimated School District (20 mills): $20,000
  • Estimated Municipal (5 mills): $5,000
  • Annual Total: $54,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $4,508

Note: These examples use estimated school and municipal rates. Actual rates vary by specific location within Franklin County. Homestead exclusion requires application and limits assessment growth rather than providing a direct tax reduction.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to approximately 1/12th of the annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal regulations. Since Franklin County real estate tax bills are due October 20th each year, lenders typically receive and pay these bills on behalf of homeowners from the accumulated escrow funds.

Property owners should verify that their mortgage servicer has the correct tax bill amount and parcel information, as escrow shortages can occur if tax increases aren't properly accounted for in monthly payments. The county mails tax bills around March 1st, and homeowners with escrow accounts should ensure their mortgage company receives these bills. If you believe your escrow payment is incorrect, contact your mortgage servicer with your current tax bill to request an escrow analysis and adjustment.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Franklin County property taxes due for 2025? A: Real estate tax bills are due October 20, 2025. Tax bills are typically mailed around March 1, 2025, giving property owners over seven months to pay.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax benefit is the homestead or farmstead exclusion, which requires application and is not automatic. This program caps assessment increases rather than reducing your tax bill directly. You must apply through the county assessor's office and meet income eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the homestead exclusion work? A: The homestead exclusion limits how much your property's assessed value can increase year-over-year, typically capping increases. This is not a direct tax reduction but rather protection against rapid assessment growth. Application is required and not guaranteed.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Franklin County? A: Pennsylvania law requires counties to conduct reassessments periodically, but schedules vary. Contact the Franklin County Assessment Office for the current reassessment schedule and appeal deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments after October 20th incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Franklin County Tax Collector's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Franklin County accepts online payments by credit card, certified funds, or money order. Check the county's official website for approved payment portals and any associated processing fees.

Q: What if I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental bills cover new improvements or changes to your property that occurred after the regular assessment. These are due within 30 days of the bill date and represent prorated taxes on the increased value.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties within special districts (fire, sewer, lighting) pay additional millage beyond county, school, and municipal taxes. Your total rate depends on your specific property location and applicable districts.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
News -Franklin Countyfranklincountypa.gov
02
County
Franklin County Commissioners Present Proposed 2025 Budgetfranklincountypa.gov
03
County
Property Taxes by Municipality - Franklin Countyfranklincountypa.gov
04
State
What are the due dates for my real estate tax bills?franklincountypa.gov
05
County
When are real estate tax bills mailed? - Franklin Countyfranklincountypa.gov
06
County
Tax Assessment - Franklin Countyfranklincountypa.gov
07
County
2022-02-18-Homestead-Application.pdf - Franklin Countyfranklincountypa.gov
08
Are there programs I may qualify for to assist with my real ...franklincountypa.gov
09
County
What is the interim or supplemental bill? - Franklin Countyfranklincountypa.gov
10
County
Sitemap - Franklin Countyfranklincountypa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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