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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McKean County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in McKean 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
13.50 mills for county (varies significantly by municipality and school district)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McKean County, Pennsylvania operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, and municipal services. The county's property tax system is administered through multiple jurisdictions, with the McKean County Tax Claim Bureau collecting delinquent taxes for 6 school districts, 22 municipalities, and the county itself. Property taxes are calculated using a millage system, where each mill represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.

For the 2025 tax year, McKean County has a real estate tax rate of 13.50 mills, representing a 1.25 mill increase from the previous year. The common level ratio is currently 5.75, which is used to determine assessed values. Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within the county due to overlapping taxing districts including school districts, municipalities, and special assessment areas, making it essential for property owners to understand their specific tax jurisdiction's total millage rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
McKean County Base13.50County operations and services
School DistrictVariesRanges by district (6 districts countywide)
MunicipalityVariesLocal municipal services (22 municipalities)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, lighting, etc.

Levy Year: FY 2025-2026

Note: The total effective tax rate varies significantly by property location within McKean County. School district rates can range from approximately 15-25 mills, while municipal rates typically range from 2-8 mills. Special assessment districts may add additional millage for services like fire protection or street lighting. Property owners should verify their specific total millage rate with their local tax collector or assessor.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McKean 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 McKean County are triggered when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or significant improvements are made that increase the assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year, ensuring that tax liability matches current ownership and property value.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current mill rate to that difference. The amount is then prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $150,000 to $200,000 due to renovations completed in July, and the total mill rate is 35 mills, the supplemental tax would be: ($50,000 × 0.035) × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $875 for the remainder of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$18,000 (6% cap benefit, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Tax Rate: 35 mills (estimated total including school/municipal)
  • Annual Tax: $9,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $822.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$36,000 (6% cap benefit, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $564,000
  • Tax Rate: 35 mills
  • Annual Tax: $19,740
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,645

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$60,000 (6% cap benefit, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $940,000
  • Tax Rate: 35 mills
  • Annual Tax: $32,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,741.67

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McKean County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill and pays the taxes directly to the appropriate tax collectors on behalf of the homeowner. McKean County property taxes are typically paid in installments, with due dates generally falling in April and October, though specific dates vary by taxing jurisdiction.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and may adjust monthly payments based on changes in tax rates or assessed values. Property owners should verify that their lenders are making timely payments to avoid penalties, and should review their annual escrow statements for accuracy. The final tax payment for each year is usually due by December 1st, and lenders must ensure sufficient funds are available to meet all payment deadlines for county, school district, and municipal taxes.

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 McKean County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property tax due dates vary by jurisdiction but typically fall in April and October, with final payments due by December 1st. Contact your specific tax collector for exact dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Pennsylvania offers homestead and farmstead credits that cap assessment increases. These require separate applications through your local assessor's office and are not automatically applied. Senior citizens may qualify for additional Property Tax/Rent Rebate programs through the PA Department of Revenue.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases (typically to 6% or less) rather than reducing your property's market value. You must file an application with your local assessor and reapply periodically. This is a tax credit, not an exemption.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in McKean County? A: Pennsylvania does not mandate regular countywide reassessments. McKean County conducts reassessments periodically, with the current common level ratio at 5.75. Property owners can appeal assessments through the county assessment office.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payment penalties vary by taxing jurisdiction but typically include interest charges and potential penalties. Delinquent taxes are handled by the McKean County Tax Claim Bureau, which may eventually lead to tax sales.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Payment options vary by taxing jurisdiction within McKean County. Contact your specific tax collector (county, school district, or municipal) to inquire about online payment availability.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within McKean County? A: McKean County contains 6 different school districts, 22 municipalities, and various special districts. Each levies its own taxes, so your total rate depends on your specific location and which jurisdictions serve your property.

Q: How can I find my exact tax rate? A: Contact the McKean County Assessment Office or your local tax collector. Your tax bill should list all applicable jurisdictions and their respective mill rates. The total effective rate is the sum of county, school district, municipal, and any special district millages.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Page 1pa.gov
02
State
2025-26 Real Estate Tax Ratespa.gov
03
County
McKean County Commissioners, in a regular meeting, ...mckeancountypa.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Claim Bureaumckeancountypa.gov
05
Tax Doc
REPOSITORY SALES ALL TAX SALES MCKEAN ...mckeancountypa.gov
06
County
Welcome to McKean County PAmckeancountypa.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief Through Homestead Exclusion - PA DCEDdced.pa.gov
08
General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanialgc.state.pa.us
09
IFO - File Downloadifo.state.pa.us
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Preparation Guide (DFO-03)pa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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