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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Juniata County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
81.5920 mills (8.16%) county-wide, varies by municipality and school district
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Juniata County, Pennsylvania operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including public schools, municipal operations, and county services. Property taxes in Juniata County are assessed based on the fair market value of real estate and are collected by local tax collectors in each township and borough. The county follows Pennsylvania's standard property tax structure, where taxes are due annually by December 31st.

The effective property tax rate in Juniata County varies by location within the county due to different municipal tax rates and special taxing districts. For the 2025-26 tax year, the county-wide real estate tax rate is 81.5920 mills (8.15920%), but property owners will also pay additional municipal and school district taxes that vary by specific location. This means total effective rates typically range from approximately 2% to 3% of assessed value depending on your specific township, borough, and school district.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County Tax81.5920Base county levy for FY 2025-2026
Municipal TaxVariesTownship/Borough taxes (varies by location)
School District TaxVariesLocal school district levy (varies by district)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts (if applicable)

Note: The total tax rate varies significantly by location within Juniata County. Contact your local tax collector for specific municipal and school district rates in your area. The county rate of 81.5920 mills applies county-wide, but additional assessments from townships, boroughs, and school districts will increase your total effective rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Juniata County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 Juniata County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates additional taxes based on the increased value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July (halfway through the tax year), you would receive a supplemental tax bill for 50% of the annual tax increase attributable to that improvement. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the additional assessed value, then prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. These supplemental bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$18,000 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Total Tax Rate: ~2.5% (estimated with local taxes)
  • Annual Tax: $7,050
  • Monthly Escrow: $588

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$18,000 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $582,000
  • Total Tax Rate: ~2.5% (estimated with local taxes)
  • Annual Tax: $14,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,213

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$18,000 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $982,000
  • Total Tax Rate: ~2.5% (estimated with local taxes)
  • Annual Tax: $24,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,046

Note: Credits shown require application and approval. Actual total tax rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Juniata County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to the county when due on December 31st. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments.

Property owners should verify that their lender pays taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for timely payment even when using escrow. The Juniata County Treasurer's office can confirm payment status. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, payments can be made in person at the Treasurer's office (open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, closed holidays) or through available online payment options offered by your local tax collector.

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 Juniata County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due by December 31st annually. Property owners who don't pay by this deadline are reported to the Tax Claim Bureau.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit available is the Homestead Exclusion for primary residences. This credit requires annual application and caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Contact your local tax collector for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead Exclusion limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, not the total assessed value. You must apply annually, and the property must be your primary residence to qualify.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Juniata County? A: Pennsylvania counties conduct periodic countywide reassessments. Contact the Juniata County Assessment Office for the current reassessment schedule and appeal procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties with unpaid taxes by December 31st are reported to the Tax Claim Bureau, which may result in additional fees, interest, and potential tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality within Juniata County. Contact your local tax collector to determine available payment methods for your specific location.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Total tax rates differ based on your township/borough, school district, and any special taxing districts (fire, library) that serve your area. Each entity sets its own tax rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Juniata County Board of Assessment Appeals within specific deadlines. Contact the county assessment office for forms, procedures, and filing deadlines.

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