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Updated 2025 Tax Year

York County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% of assessed value (varies by municipality and school district)
1st Due
Jun 25
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

York County, Pennsylvania operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, municipal operations, fire protection, and county government services. Property taxes in York County are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and are collected semi-annually with due dates of June 25th and December 5th each year.

The effective property tax rate in York County typically ranges around 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions. These include the county levy, school district taxes, municipal taxes, and various special taxing districts such as fire districts and library districts. Property owners should expect their total tax rate to reflect the combined levies of all applicable taxing authorities in their specific location.

Property assessments in York County are conducted periodically, and property owners have the right to appeal their assessments if they believe the valuation is inaccurate. The county offers several tax credit programs that may reduce tax bills for qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General0.15-0.25%County operations, courts, emergency services
School District0.60-0.85%Public education funding (varies by district)
Municipal0.10-0.30%City/township services, police, public works
Fire District0.02-0.05%Fire protection and emergency services
Library District0.01-0.03%Public library services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesBonds, improvements, special projects

Note: These rates are estimates for the current tax year and vary significantly by specific location within York County. Actual combined rates typically total between 0.90% and 1.40% of assessed value. Contact your local tax collector for exact rates applicable to your property's taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in York County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jun 25
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 York County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills cover the difference between the original tax assessment and the new assessment for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the applicable tax rate, and prorating the amount based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if a property improvement increases the assessed value by $50,000 in July, and the total tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $300 (($50,000 × 0.012) ÷ 2) for the remaining half of the tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are due within 30 days of the bill date and cannot be paid through existing escrow arrangements. Property owners are responsible for paying these bills directly, even if their regular property taxes are escrowed with their mortgage lender.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,800
  • Tax Rate: 1.15% (combined rate example)
  • Annual Tax: $3,448
  • Monthly Escrow: $287

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,800
  • Tax Rate: 1.25% (combined rate example)
  • Annual Tax: $7,498
  • Monthly Escrow: $625

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,800
  • Tax Rate: 1.35% (combined rate example)
  • Annual Tax: $13,497
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,125

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within York County based on local taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in York County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to York County when they become due on June 25th and December 5th each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. If there's a shortage in your escrow account, you may need to make up the difference through increased monthly payments or a lump sum payment. Conversely, if there's an overage, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments.

It's important to review your annual escrow statement carefully and verify that your lender is paying the correct amount. If you receive supplemental tax bills, notify your lender immediately, as these typically cannot be paid from escrow and require separate payment within 30 days. Property owners should also inform their lender of any tax credits they've applied for to ensure proper escrow calculations.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in York County? A: Property taxes are due semi-annually on June 25th and December 5th each year. Supplemental tax bills are due within 30 days of the bill date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: York County offers Homestead and Farmstead tax credits that can provide property tax reductions. These credits are NOT automatic and require separate applications. The Homestead credit is available to primary residence owners and may cap assessment increases rather than reducing the base assessed value.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's market value assessment. You must file an application to receive this credit, and it only applies to your primary residence. Contact the York County Assessment Office for current application deadlines and forms.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: York County conducts periodic countywide reassessments, though the schedule varies. Property owners receive notice before reassessments and have the right to appeal their new assessed values within specified timeframes.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to overdue property taxes. Contact your local tax collector for specific penalty rates and collection procedures, as these may vary by municipality within York County.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment options are available through most local tax collectors in York County. Check with your specific municipal tax collector for available online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do my taxes include multiple line items? A: Your property tax bill includes levies from multiple taxing authorities: county government, school district, municipality, and any applicable special districts (fire, library, etc.). Each has separate rates and may have different payment procedures.

Q: How do I apply for available tax credits? A: Applications for tax credits such as Homestead and Farmstead exclusions must be filed with the York County Assessment Office. These applications typically have annual deadlines and require documentation proving eligibility. Credits are not retroactive and must be renewed periodically.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
York County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
02
County
York County Treasurer's Officeyorkcounty.gov
03
County
York County Tax Guide PDFyorkcounty.gov
04
County
Assessment & Tax Claim Office | York County, PAyorkcountypa.gov
05
County
Tax Reduction / Abatement Programs | York County, PAyorkcountypa.gov
06
HOMESTEAD & FARMSTEAD EXCLUSION APPLICATIONyorkcountypa.gov
07
2026_1st Qtr_Newsletteryorktownshippa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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