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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Perry County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
3.62% base county rate + municipal and school district rates (varies by location)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Perry County, Pennsylvania operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Perry County are administered at the county level, with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue providing oversight and the county assessor determining property values based on market assessments.

The effective property tax rate in Perry County varies by location within the county due to different municipal tax rates, school district levies, and special taxing districts. For the 2025 tax year, the base county rate is 0.036223 (3.6223%) of assessed value. However, your actual tax rate will depend on which municipality, school district, and special districts serve your property location. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate and applicable districts through the Perry County Assessment Office, as rates can differ significantly between townships, boroughs, and special service areas within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Perry County Base Levy0.036223County operations, services, debt service
Municipal TaxVariesTownship/borough services (varies by location)
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations (varies by district)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, other special assessments

Levy Year: FY 2025-2026

Important Note: The rates shown above represent the county base rate only. Total property tax rates vary significantly by location within Perry County depending on your specific municipality, school district, and any special taxing districts that serve your property. Contact the Perry County Assessment Office or check your current tax bill to determine your property's specific tax rate and district assignments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Perry 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 Perry County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or changes in property classification.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed in July and increases your assessed value, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 increase for the remaining 6 months of the tax year at your property's applicable tax rate.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$25,000 market value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Annual Tax (at 3.6223% base rate): $9,961
  • Monthly Escrow: $830

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$25,000 market value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Annual Tax (at 3.6223% base rate): $20,828
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,736

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$25,000 market value reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Annual Tax (at 3.6223% base rate): $35,317
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,943

Note: These calculations use the county base rate only. Actual taxes will be higher due to municipal and school district taxes. All credits require separate applications and approval.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Perry County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12 of your annual tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases.

Property taxes in Perry County are typically paid in two installments: the first due April 1 and the second due October 1, with final payment required by November 1. Your mortgage servicer will pay these bills directly from your escrow account when due. Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, expect your monthly escrow payment to increase accordingly at your next analysis period.

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 for FY 2025-2026? A: The first installment is typically due April 1, 2025, and the second installment is due October 1, 2025, with final payment required by November 1, 2025. Verify exact dates with the Perry County Tax Collector.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Exemption, which provides a $25,000 market value reduction for owner-occupied primary residences. This credit REQUIRES APPLICATION and is not automatic. Contact the Perry County Assessment Office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit reduces your property's taxable market value by $25,000, which decreases your annual tax bill. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatically applied. The application must be filed with the Perry County Assessment Office.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Perry County? A: Pennsylvania requires periodic countywide reassessments, but the schedule varies by county. Contact the Perry County Assessment Office for the current reassessment schedule and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply after the due dates. Contact the Perry County Tax Collector for specific penalty rates and payment options for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many Pennsylvania counties offer online payment options. Check the Perry County Tax Collector's website or contact their office directly for available online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Perry County based on your specific location's municipal tax rate, school district levy, and any special taxing districts that serve your property. Properties in different townships, boroughs, or school districts will have different total tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed within specific deadlines with the Perry County Board of Assessment Appeals. Contact the Perry County Assessment Office for appeal forms, deadlines, and procedures for challenging your property's assessed value.

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