Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion Program

Applications

Homestead applications may be filed from December 15 through March 1 (or the next official business day should March 1 fall on a weekend). This deadline is statutory and therefore the Assessment Office cannot process Homestead/Farmstead applications after the cutoff.

You may submit an application after the March 1st deadline but it will not be processed until the next enrollment period.

About the Homeowner Tax Relief Act

The Homeowner Tax Relief Act, Act 72 of 2004, was signed into law by Governor Rendell on July 5, 2004, to allow school districts to reduce property taxes by lowering your property tax bill; the legal term for this is a “homestead or farmstead exclusion.” Under a homestead or farmstead property tax exclusion, the assessed value of each homestead or farmstead is reduced by the same amount before the property tax is computed. On June 27, 2006, Governor Edward G. Rendell signed Special Session House Bill 39 (SS HB 39) into law. SS HB 39 delivers the largest property tax cut in Pennsylvania history, potentially reaching $1 billion annually to Pennsylvania homeowners. Pennsylvania seniors will get the most significant property tax relief through an expansion of the Property Tax Rent Rebate program. Eligible Pennsylvanian's can sign up now to receive a Property Tax/Rent Rebate application via mail. Click here to sign up or call 1-888-222-9190.

  • Beginning in 2007, taxpayers will also be able to pay their school property taxes on an installment plan. This option will help seniors in particular, since they often do not pay school property taxes on a monthly basis through a mortgage company.
  • Controls on Future Tax Increases
    Until now, Pennsylvania has been the only state in the nation where school boards have unlimited and final authority over taxing and spending. The Taxpayer Relief Act protects homeowners by limiting the property tax increases that school boards can approve without voter approval.
  • If your property is commercial or 'mixed use' but you also reside there, you may not have received an application in the mail. You may still be eligible. Download and complete the form and be sure to include the percentage of the property which is used solely as your residence in question number 10.
  • Homestead/Farmstead Application & Instructions
  • Homestead/Farmstead FAQ