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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Schuylkill County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Schuylkill 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
Approximately 1% average, varies significantly by municipality, school district, and special taxing districts within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal operations, and county government functions. The county is currently undergoing a comprehensive reassessment process, with new property values to be finalized by July 1, 2025, based on 100% of fair market value as of January 1, 2025. This reassessment will establish the foundation for future tax calculations and official tax rates.

Property tax rates in Schuylkill County vary significantly by location due to different municipal tax rates, school district levies, and special taxing districts within the county. The effective tax rate typically ranges around Pennsylvania's state average of approximately 1%, though individual properties may experience higher or lower rates depending on their specific taxing jurisdictions. Property owners should expect their official tax rates to be announced following the completion of the 2025 reassessment process.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County TaxTBDBasic county operations and services
School District TaxTBDLocal school district funding (varies by district)
Municipal TaxTBDCity, township, or borough services (varies by municipality)
Special DistrictsTBDFire districts, library districts, other special assessments

Note: Tax rates for levy year 2025-2026 will be determined and announced after the reassessment process concludes in July 2025. Rates vary significantly by location within Schuylkill County depending on your specific school district, municipality, and any applicable special taxing districts. Contact your local tax collector for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Schuylkill 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 Schuylkill County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. These taxes represent the difference between what was originally assessed and billed versus the new assessed value following the triggering event. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference in assessed values.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition after the assessment date, and your property's assessed value increases by $40,000 due to this improvement, you would owe supplemental tax on that $40,000 increase at the applicable tax rate for your area. This supplemental bill would be prorated based on the portion of the tax year remaining when the improvement was completed and would be billed separately from your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • County Homestead Exclusion Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $280,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at ~1%): $2,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $233

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • County Homestead Exclusion Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $580,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at ~1%): $5,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $483

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • County Homestead Exclusion Applied: -$20,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $980,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at ~1%): $9,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $817

Note: The County Homestead Exclusion of $20,000 in assessed value requires application and will take effect for tax bills in 2026. Actual tax rates will be determined after reassessment completion in July 2025.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Schuylkill County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due.

Property tax payments in Schuylkill County are due September 1st through October 31st for the full amount without penalty. Lenders typically pay during this window to avoid late fees. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially following the 2025 reassessment, and review their annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected for the updated tax amounts.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Schuylkill County? A: Property taxes are due September 1st through October 31st for payment without penalty. Payments made after October 31st incur a 10% late penalty.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the County Homestead Exclusion of $20,000 in assessed value, which requires application and takes effect in 2026. Most tax relief programs require application - they are not automatic. Contact the county assessor's office for available programs and application requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead Exclusion work? A: The County Homestead Exclusion removes $20,000 from your property's assessed value for county tax calculation purposes only. This requires application and will first appear on 2026 tax bills for qualified properties.

Q: When will new tax rates be available after reassessment? A: Official tax rates for the 2025-2026 levy year will be announced after the reassessment process concludes on July 1, 2025. Property values are being assessed at 100% of fair market value as of January 1, 2025.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed by specific deadlines. Appeals received after filing deadlines will be rejected as untimely. Contact the Schuylkill County Assessment Office for current appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What is the penalty for late payment? A: A 10% penalty is applied to property tax payments made after the October 31st deadline.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact your local tax collector for available online payment options, as payment methods may vary by municipality within Schuylkill County.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Schuylkill County? A: Tax rates differ based on your school district, municipality (city, township, or borough), and any special taxing districts that apply to your property location, such as fire districts or library districts.

Q: What is the deadline for property tax relief applications? A: The March 1st deadline applies for property tax relief program applications. Contact the county for specific program requirements and current application deadlines.

Q: How often does Schuylkill County reassess properties? A: The county is currently completing a comprehensive reassessment with values finalized by July 1, 2025. Contact the Assessment Office for information about future reassessment schedules.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Schuylkill County, PA Countywide Reassessmentschuylkillcountypa.gov
02
State
2025-26 Real Estate Tax Ratespa.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Assessment Officeschuylkillcountypa.gov
04
County
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ASSESSMENT APPEAL ...schuylkillcountypa.gov
05
State
Real Estate Taxespasd.k12.pa.us
06
County
county of schuylkillschuylkillcountypa.gov
07
County
county application for homestead and farmstead exclusionsschuylkillcountypa.gov
08
County
schuylkill countyschuylkillcountypa.gov
09
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA - PA General Assemblylegis.state.pa.us
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Programpa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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