Why are my taxes so high?
Taxes are based on a millage rate set by the individual taxing bodies according to the funds needed to support their budgets. This millage rate is multiplied times the assessed value of your property. Your assessment seldom changes and you are notified in writing before any changes take effect.
What is my control number and where do I find it?
The control number is a unique tax identification number for your property. The control number allows for a more accurate identification of your property rather than a parcel identification number that shows the property on a map. Control numbers are found on your tax bill. The number is required by Tax Claim Bureau and Treasurer's office to identify your property. If you can't find the number, call the Assessment Office at 724-852-5211.
What is Homestead Exclusion?
Homestead provides a tax reduction of the school taxes on property accepted into the Homestead program. To qualify, the property must be the owner-occupied home of the applicant. Homestead does not apply to rental property or second homes. The amount is based upon the gambling revenues received from the Commonwealth and determined by the school district in which you live. The exclusion is a reduction in your school taxes, not a rebate.
What is Clean and Green?
The Clean and Green program is a preferred assessed value on the land only based upon the soil use or potential for use. One must own 10 or more acres to qualify except when extraordinary conditions exist. For complete information and application, contact the Assessment Office at 724-852-5241. Applications and details are also contained in this website in the forms section.
Is there an application fee for Homestead or Clean & Green?
There is no application fee to apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion. The Clean & Green application fee is $67.50 ($50.00 application fee and $12.50 recording fee).
Can the Assessment Office look up the owner of perperty if all I have is the street address?
The Assessment Office can not look up a parcel by address at this time (June 2013).
How do I challenge the assessed value of my property?
The assessed value may be appealed by filing a Notice of Intent to Appeal with the office before September 1 to have consideration for the next tax year. In the case where the assessment changes during the year, the property owner is sent a Notice of Change letter and the property owner may appeal this change within 40 days of the mailing of the letter. This is explained in the body of the letter.
Can I look at my neighbor's property assessment?
All information in the Assessment Office is deemed public information except in specific instances where information is deemed confidential (social security numbers, financial statements, and other).
How do I access this information?
The Assessment Office has a room of computers for use by the public to make inquiries into property. The tax maps are also available for review. Photocopies are available upon request and may have a small fee attached.
Am I required to allow field data collectors onto my property?
The Assessment Office has no legal basis to traspass on your property. If there are no signs forbidding entrance, we do come onto the property to take measurements and photographs of the structures. Although you do not have to allow an assessor on your property, it is recommended to do so to make sure the information is correct and a fair assessment can be made.
How can I change my address?
Address changes must be made in writing with the property owner's signature. Include the tax parcel number (found on your tax notice), your old address and the new address. A change of address form is located in the forms section of this website. you may call 724-852-5211 with questions.