Pennsylvania property taxes are due on or before December 31 each year, and you can pay by mail, online, or in person depending on your county's system.

Pennsylvania has no state income tax, but every county collects property taxes to fund schools, local services, and municipalities. The amount you owe depends on your home's assessed value and your local millage rate — the tax rate set by your school district, township, and county. Your tax bill arrives in the fall, usually September or October, and payment is due by year-end. Missing the deadline triggers a penalty, typically 10 percent of the unpaid amount, plus interest that compounds monthly.

How you pay depends on which county you live in. Some counties run their own tax collection offices; others contract with third-party collectors. Your bill will show the collector's name and payment methods they accept. The most common routes are mailing a check, paying online through the collector's website, or paying in person at their office.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania property taxes are due December 31 each year, and the penalty for late payment is 10 percent of the unpaid amount plus monthly interest.
  • Your county or its tax collector determines payment methods — some accept online payments, some accept checks by mail only, and some accept both.
  • Your tax bill shows the collector's name and contact information; calling them directly is the fastest way to confirm payment methods and your exact amount due.
  • If you cannot pay in full by December 31, some collectors offer payment plans, but you must request one before the deadline to avoid the penalty.
  • Homeowners over 65 or with disabilities may be may be able to access for property tax relief programs that reduce the amount owed, not just defer payment.

Finding your tax collector and payment methods

Your property tax bill lists the tax collector's name, mailing address, phone number, and website. If you cannot locate your bill, you can find your collector by searching your county's website for "tax collector" or "tax office" — most counties list all municipalities and their collectors. Some collectors serve a single township; others cover multiple municipalities in the county.

Once you identify your collector, contact them directly to confirm which payment methods they accept. Many collectors now accept online payments through their websites, often with a small processing fee (typically 1 to 3 percent). Others accept checks by mail only. Some accept both. A few still require in-person payment at their office. The collector's website or phone line will tell you which applies to you.

Paying by mail

To pay by check or money order, write the check to the tax collector (not to your municipality or county), include your property account number or address on the memo line, and mail it to the address on your bill. Mail your payment early enough that it arrives by December 31 — the postmark date does not count as payment, only the date received. Most collectors recommend mailing by mid-December to allow time for delivery.

Keep a copy of your bill and a record of when you mailed the payment. If the collector does not receive it, you will need proof that you sent it. Some collectors accept online bill-pay through your bank, which creates a digital record and can be timed to arrive by the deadline.

Paying online

Many Pennsylvania tax collectors accept online payments through their websites. You will typically enter your property account number, the amount owed, and your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). Online payments often process immediately or within one business day, and you receive a confirmation number. Print or save this confirmation as your receipt.

Some collectors use third-party payment processors, which may charge a convenience fee. This fee is separate from your tax bill and is charged by the processor, not the collector. The collector's website will disclose the fee before you complete the payment. If the fee seems high, paying by mail or in person may cost less.

Paying in person

You can pay at the tax collector's office during business hours. Bring your bill, a check or money order, or ask whether they accept cash. Some collectors accept credit or debit cards in person; others do not. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods the office accepts and their hours, especially near the December 31 deadline when offices may be busy.

If you pay in person, ask for a receipt stamped with the date received. This receipt is your proof of payment and protects you if a question arises later about whether the payment was received on time.

Payment plans and late payment penalties

If you cannot pay the full amount by December 31, contact your tax collector before the deadline to ask about a payment plan. Some collectors offer installment arrangements that spread the payment over several months. However, you must request the plan before December 31 to avoid the 10 percent penalty. Once the deadline passes, the penalty is assessed automatically, and a payment plan will not remove it.

If you miss the deadline, the penalty is 10 percent of the unpaid amount, and interest accrues at a rate set by Pennsylvania law (currently 1 percent per month, compounded). The longer the debt sits unpaid, the more interest accumulates. Some collectors will negotiate a reduced penalty if you pay within a short window after the deadline, but this is not may provide — contact your collector immediately if you miss the deadline.

Property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities

Pennsylvania offers two programs that reduce property taxes for homeowners over 65 or with disabilities: the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and the Homestead Property Tax Exemption. These are not payment plans — they reduce the amount of tax you owe in the first place.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. You must be 65 or older, a widow or widower of any age with a dependent, or a person with a disability. Your household income must be below a certain threshold (which changes yearly). If you may have access to, you receive a rebate check from the state, usually in the spring. You still owe the full tax bill by December 31, but the rebate reimburses part of it.

The Homestead Property Tax Exemption exempts a portion of your home's assessed value from taxation if you meet income and age requirements. This reduces your tax bill directly. may be able to access and the exemption amount vary by county. Contact your county assessor's office or your tax collector to learn whether you may be may be able to access and how to apply.

What happens if you do not pay

If your property tax remains unpaid for an extended period, the collector may file a lien against your home. A lien is a legal claim that gives the collector the right to be paid from the proceeds if you sell the property. The lien does not force a sale, but it clouds the title and makes it difficult to refinance or sell without paying off the debt first.

In rare cases, if taxes go unpaid for several years, the county may foreclose on the property and sell it at a tax sale. This is a last resort and typically happens only after years of non-payment and repeated collection attempts. If you are struggling to pay, contact your collector as soon as possible to discuss options before the debt reaches this stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay after December 31 but before the collector sends a bill?

The penalty applies as soon as the deadline passes, regardless of whether you have received a bill or reminder. Payment date is what matters, not when you were billed. If you know your taxes are due, pay by December 31 to avoid the penalty.

Can I pay my property taxes with a credit card?

Some collectors accept credit cards online or in person; others do not. Check your collector's website or call them to ask. If they do accept cards, there is usually a processing fee of 1 to 3 percent added to your payment.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I am on a fixed income?

Yes, property taxes are still due. However, Pennsylvania offers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for seniors and people with disabilities with limited income. This program may reduce the amount you owe or provide a rebate. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to learn whether you may be may be able to access.

What if my property tax bill is wrong?

Contact your county assessor's office to dispute the assessed value of your home. You can file an appeal, usually within a set timeframe after receiving your bill. Pay the full amount by December 31 while your appeal is pending to avoid penalties; if your appeal succeeds, you may receive a refund.

Can I deduct Pennsylvania property taxes on my federal income tax?

Yes, property taxes are deductible on your federal return if you itemize deductions. However, the total of state and local taxes (SALT) you deduct is capped at $10,000 per year. Consult a tax professional to determine whether itemizing benefits you.