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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Northumberland County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Northumberland 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
70-80 mills combined (varies by school district and municipality)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Northumberland County, Pennsylvania operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government operations and represent a significant portion of homeowners' annual housing costs. The county uses a millage-based system where rates are expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value).

Property tax rates in Northumberland County vary significantly by location due to different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts within the county. For 2025, the combined millage rates typically range from approximately 70-80 mills depending on your specific location, with school districts comprising the largest portion of your total tax bill. The county reassesses properties periodically, and assessed values may differ from current market values. Property owners should verify their specific tax rates and assessment information through the Northumberland County Assessment Office, as rates and special district assessments can vary considerably based on your exact property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County Tax35.885Funds county operations, services, and administration
School District41.100Varies by school district - rate shown is representative
Municipal TaxVariesCity, borough, or township taxes - rates vary by municipality
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, or other special assessments
Total Estimated73.185+Combined rate varies by location within county

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. The county rate of 35.885 mills represents the first half of the year, with a full-year rate of 73.185 mills for county taxes. School district millage and municipal rates vary significantly based on your property's location within Northumberland County. Contact the Assessment Office at (570) 988-4112 for your specific district rates and any applicable special district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Northumberland 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 Northumberland County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to a property's ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction or improvements completed after the annual assessment date, changes in property use (such as converting from agricultural to residential), or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current millage rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June that increases your assessed value by $40,000, and your total millage rate is 75 mills, you would owe approximately $3,000 ($40,000 ÷ 1,000 × 75 mills) prorated for 7 months, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $1,750. The county bills and collects its own property taxes through elected tax collectors, who will issue supplemental bills as needed throughout the year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exclusion (if applied): -$18,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Annual Tax (75 mills): $21,150
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,763

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exclusion (if applied): -$18,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $582,000
  • Annual Tax (75 mills): $43,650
  • Monthly Escrow: $3,638

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exclusion (if applied): -$18,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $982,000
  • Annual Tax (75 mills): $73,650
  • Monthly Escrow: $6,138

Calculations use an estimated combined millage rate of 75 mills and assume qualification for Homestead Exclusion. Actual rates vary by school district and municipality. The Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion requires annual application and provides a reduction in assessed value. Contact the Assessment Office at (570) 988-4112 for current exclusion amounts and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Northumberland County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the appropriate tax collectors when due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12, often with an additional cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property taxes in Northumberland County are due by December 31st of each tax year to avoid delinquency. Lenders typically pay taxes in advance of this deadline to ensure timely payment. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing tax payments made and any adjustments needed to your monthly escrow amount. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or millage rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making payments to the correct tax collector, as the county uses elected tax collectors who may change periodically.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Northumberland County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due by December 31, 2025 to avoid delinquency. The latest payment date for 2025 taxes was December 31, 2025, with no further payments due in 2026.

Q: What is the Homestead Exclusion and how do I apply? A: The Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion is a tax credit that reduces your property's assessed value, lowering your tax bill. This exclusion limits assessment increases and requires annual application. Contact the Northumberland County Assessment Office at (570) 988-4112 for applications and current exclusion amounts. Applications are NOT automatic and must be filed to receive the benefit.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, various tax credits may be available for seniors, veterans, disabled persons, and other qualifying circumstances. Each credit requires a separate application and has specific eligibility requirements. Contact the Assessment Office for information about available credits and application deadlines.

Q: How often does Northumberland County reassess properties? A: Pennsylvania counties reassess properties on varying schedules. Contact the Assessment Office at (570) 988-4112 for the current reassessment timeline and information about appealing your assessment if you believe it's incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Penalties and interest accrue on delinquent taxes after December 31st. Contact your local elected tax collector for specific penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment options may be available through your local tax collector. Contact the Assessment Office or your municipal tax collector for current online payment methods and accepted forms of payment.

Q: Why did my tax bill change if I made no improvements to my property? A: Tax bills can change due to millage rate increases by the county, school district, or municipality, periodic reassessments, or changes in applicable tax credits or exclusions. Special district assessments may also be added or modified.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Northumberland County? A: Special districts such as fire districts, library districts, or other local service areas may levy additional taxes on properties within their boundaries. These rates vary by location and are added to your base county, school, and municipal taxes. Your total millage rate depends on all applicable districts for your specific property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
2025-26 Real Estate Tax Ratespa.gov
02
County
millages.pdf - Northumberland Countynorthumberlandcountypa.gov
03
June 20, 2024 Regular Board Meeting Agenda.docxmca.k12.pa.us
04
County
northumberland county tax claim bureaunorthumberlandcountypa.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Claimsnorthumberlandcountypa.gov
06
Judicial Salenorthumberlandcountypa.gov
07
County
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY APPLICATION FOR ...northumberlandcountypa.gov
08
Assessmentnorthumberlandcountypa.gov
09
General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanialgc.state.pa.us
10
County
COUNTY OF NORTHUMBERLAND, PENNSYLVANIA Financial ...northumberlandcountypa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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