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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Northampton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Northampton 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
Varies by municipality: County base ~0.6% plus school district (1.2-2.0%) and municipal rates (0.3-1.5%)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Northampton County, Pennsylvania operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal operations, and county government functions. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is multiplied by the applicable tax rate (millage). The county conducts periodic reassessments to ensure fair market valuations across all properties.

Property tax rates in Northampton County vary significantly by location due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions. Property owners typically pay taxes to multiple entities: the county, their local municipality (borough or township), and their school district. Additional special district assessments may apply for services like fire protection, library services, or municipal authorities. The combined effective tax rate generally ranges from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value, depending on the specific taxing districts where the property is located.

It's important to note that most property tax credits and relief programs require annual applications and are not automatically applied to tax bills. Property owners should verify their specific tax obligations and available relief programs through the Northampton County Department of Revenue and their local tax collector.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2024 tax rates for Northampton County properties vary by taxing jurisdiction. Below are the primary components that make up most property tax bills:

ComponentRate Range (Mills)Description
County Tax4.75-5.25General county operations, services, and debt service
School District15.00-25.00Public education funding (varies significantly by district)
Municipal Tax3.00-12.00Township or borough services (varies by municipality)
Fire/EMS0.50-2.00Emergency services (where applicable)
Library Tax0.25-0.75Public library funding (select areas)
Total Range23.50-45.00Combined millage varies by location

Note: One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Rates shown are for the 2024 tax year and are subject to annual changes by each taxing authority. The 2025 county tax rate is pending council approval scheduled for August 2025. Actual rates vary significantly based on specific property location and applicable special districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Northampton 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 Northampton County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, use, or value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, changes in property use (such as commercial to residential), or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increase in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in July (6 months remaining in the tax year), and the combined tax rate is 30 mills, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 1,000) × 30 mills × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $750.

Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days after the triggering event. These bills are separate from regular annual tax bills and have their own payment due dates. The supplemental tax becomes part of the property's ongoing annual assessment for subsequent tax years, so future regular tax bills will reflect the higher assessed value.

Example Calculation

Below are three examples showing annual property tax calculations for different assessed values in Northampton County, using a combined tax rate of 28 mills (representative of many areas in the county):

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,000
  • Tax Rate: 28 mills
  • Annual Tax: $299,000 ÷ 1,000 × 28 = $8,372
  • Monthly Payment: $697.67

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,000
  • Tax Rate: 28 mills
  • Annual Tax: $599,000 ÷ 1,000 × 28 = $16,772
  • Monthly Payment: $1,397.67

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,000
  • Tax Rate: 28 mills
  • Annual Tax: $999,000 ÷ 1,000 × 28 = $27,972
  • Monthly Payment: $2,331.00

Note: Credits shown require annual application and eligibility verification. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within the county. Senior citizens and qualifying veterans may be eligible for additional credits that require separate applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Northampton County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to the appropriate tax collectors on behalf of the homeowner.

Property tax payments in Northampton County are typically due by April 1st for the current tax year, with a grace period extending to May 31st if mailed. Lenders usually make payments during the discount period to minimize escrow account requirements. The escrow account is analyzed annually, and lenders must provide borrowers with an escrow analysis statement showing the account activity, projected payments, and any required payment adjustments.

Homeowners with escrowed taxes should verify that payments are made correctly and on time by reviewing their annual tax statements and escrow analysis. If tax rates increase significantly or if supplemental assessments are issued, the escrow payment may need to be adjusted. Property owners can contact their lender's escrow department to request payment verification and ensure adequate funds are maintained to avoid tax delinquencies that could result in penalties or tax liens.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Northampton County? A: For the 2024 tax year, real estate taxes are due by April 1, 2024, with a grace period until May 31, 2024, if mailed. Check with your specific tax collector as some municipalities may have different due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Homestead/Farmstead Credit provides school tax relief and requires annual application. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is available for qualifying residents with household income of $48,110 or less annually. Disabled veterans may qualify for additional exemptions. All programs require separate applications and are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the annual increase in your assessed value for school tax purposes, typically capping increases at a specific percentage. It does not reduce your market value but provides relief from assessment growth. You must apply annually to maintain eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Northampton County? A: Pennsylvania law requires counties to conduct reassessments periodically to maintain fair market values. The county may implement county-wide reassessments or use statistical updates. Property owners receive notice before assessments change and have appeal rights.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges. After a certain period, unpaid taxes may result in tax liens against the property. Contact your tax collector immediately if you cannot make payments by the due date to discuss payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Online payment availability varies by tax collector. Some municipalities and the county offer online payment options, while others may temporarily suspend online services. Check the Northampton County Department of Revenue website or contact your local tax collector for current payment methods.

Q: Why do my taxes include multiple line items? A: Property owners in Northampton County pay taxes to multiple jurisdictions: county government, local municipality (township/borough), school district, and potentially special districts for fire, library, or other services. Each entity sets its own tax rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect can file an appeal with the Northampton County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must typically be filed within specific timeframes after receiving assessment notices. Contact the county assessor's office for current appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Property Tax Burden by Countyifo.state.pa.us
02
State
2025-26 Real Estate Tax Ratespa.gov
03
County
Northampton County Councilnorcopa.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program | Department of Revenuepa.gov
05
State
Real Estate Tax Payment Informationnorcopa.gov
06
FHWA - Center for Innovative Finance Support - P3fhwa.dot.gov
07
County
Tax Abatement Programs | Northampton County, PAnorcopa.gov
08
IFO - File Downloadifo.state.pa.us
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Programpa.gov
10
Tax Doc
2024 Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return ...pa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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