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Treasurer

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1. To whom do I make checks payable?

All checks must be made out to "Chester County Treasurer".

2. When are tax bills sent out?

The Chester County tax bills are sent out on January 15th each year. Municipal bills are sent out February 1st each year.

3. What are the tax due dates for annual County taxes?

For County annual tax bills, we have three payment periods after the tax bills are mailed on January 15:

1. 60 day 2% discount period from Jan 15 (Due on Mar 16)

2. Face value due during the 60 days after the discount payment period (Due May 15)

3. Payment made after the face value date incurs a 10 % penalty for payments made up to December 31 of current year.

4. When is the absolute last day I can pay my Chester County Tax?

The last date for payment must be postmarked or paid by December 31st of the current year, no later. No exceptions.

5. To whom are tax bills usually sent?

Tax bills are normally sent to person on record listed as the property owner. However, if your property is mortgaged, one of two billing events can occur: 

1. Electronically Billed: If the property owner has a mortgage, and the mortgage company (or a tax service company working on behalf of the mortgage company) has arranged for electronic billing, then the bank/mortgage company/service company receives the bill electronically. The property owner's payment is normally through escrowed funds withheld during the mortgage payment process. The property owner does not receive a copy of the bill. 
2. Tax bill is mailed directly to the property owner: The tax bill is sent to the property owner, who is then responsible for sending the bill to the mortgage company for payment.

6. What should I do if I'm a property owner who does not have a mortgage and did not receive a tax bill?

The ultimate responsibility for payment of the real estate tax in Chester County rests with the property owner even though they may not have received their tax bill. If you have not received a tax bill, contact our office and speak with a representative about how to correct the problem. If there has been a change of address, and this is causing your tax bill to be mailed to an incorrect address, the property owner must contact the County Assessment Office to complete the required forms to change the mailing address. Also, it is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Treasurer's Office of the address change so that the tax bill can be mailed to the correct address.

7. How do I get my address changed for tax billing purposes?

You must send a written request to the Assessment Office, 313 W Market St West Chester, PA 19382

8. What alternatives are there for paying my tax bill?

You can pay online, via postal mail, or in person. Tax bill payments are also accepted at any Chester County branch of DNB First. For more information, visit the Treasurer's Office website.

9. Can I pay my Township or School taxes at the Treasurer's Office?

The Office collects for some townships and boroughs but not for school districts. The authority for your school tax is the school district in which you reside. Any township tax imposed on your residence is under the authority of your local municipality. Municipalities Collected By Chester County Treasurer (listed by municipal number and name):

 01 - West Chester

06 – Oxford 

07 – Atglen 

09 – South Coatesville 

10 – Modena 

12 - Honey Brook Borough 

28 - West Caln Twp 

29 – West Brandywine Twp 

34 - West Pikeland Twp 

35 – Charlestown Twp 

47 - East Fallowfield Twp 

51 – East Bradford Twp 

54 – Willistown Twp 

55 - Easttown Twp 

58 - Penn Twp 

60 – New Garden Twp 

63 – Pocopson Twp 

72 - Franklin Twp

10. What is the current millage rate?

The current county tax rate is 4.369 (last updated on 02/02/2017)

11. Is Chester County Government the tax authority for a Local Earned Income Tax?

No, Chester County Government is not the tax authority for the Local Earned Income Tax. This tax is imposed by local cities, boroughs, townships and the like, and may vary from community to community. The PA Department of Community & Economic Development website contains specific information about the many local taxing authorities throughout the state. Please contact your local township/borough with any questions regarding the Local Earned Income Tax.

12. How can I obtain a receipt as proof of payment?

Simply provide the top portion of your tax bill along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, when mailing your payment. The top portion is stamped "PAID", and returned to you via postal mail.

13. How long it takes to process a Tax Certification request?

Tax Certification  requested in person are completed while you wait. For request/payment by mail, the process takes one to two weeks from the date the request is mailed. We do not accept Tax Certifications by FAX.

14. If I fax my completed Tax Certification form to the office, will it speed up the process?

No. Please do not fax requests for a Tax Certification. The request form must include payment, or the request will not be processed. Also, we do not fax-back any tax certifications.

15. What is the Hotel Room Rental Tax, and how does the County use the money?

Under Chester County Ordinance #2017-1, every business holding itself out as a “hotel” must apply a 5% tax  to each and every rental of a room with a bed. Other communities throughout the country sometimes refer to this type of tax as a bed tax, lodging tax, occupancy tax or transiency tax. Depending on the size or class of the county and the intended use of the collected revenue, some counties may apply a higher tax rate. In Chester County all but 4% of collected hotel tax dollars is paid over to the Chester County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. The intended purpose is to provide the CCCVB with enough funding to allow them to market Chester County in a highly competitive tourism market. The process is cyclical in nature. That is, we generate revenue through taxes from transients in order to successfully promote our community to those we hope will return again.

16. Who must register for Hotel Room Rental Tax?

Anyone, who intends to rent a room with a bed in Chester County to anyone else for periods of less than 30 consecutive nights, meets the legal definition of “hotel”.

17. How do I register my hotel (motel, bed & breakfast business, inn, guest house)?

Complete the Hotel Room Rental Tax Registration Form  and send to the Office of the Treasurer.

18. What is the Hotel Tax rate?

The Hotel Room Rental Tax in Chester County is 5% of the gross room rental charge.
If breakfast is included as part of the room rate, the rate is 4.65%

19. Is anyone exempt from the Hotel Room Rental Tax?

Permanent residents, anyone occupying or possessing the right to occupy a room, for 30 consecutive nights or longer, are exempt. PA State and Federal employees, on official business, are also exempt.

20. Where can I find hotel tax forms?

Hotel Tax Forms

21. When is the Hotel Tax due?

Hotels must submit a tax report by midnight of the 25th day after the close of each calendar month. If your mailing is post-marked before the 25th day of the subsequent month, you will be on time and avoid a penalty.

22. How often must I file a hotel tax report?

All hotels must submit a Hotel Room Rental Tax Report on a monthly basis, unless they meet the requirements of Resolution 40.01, which allows for quarterly reporting if certain criteria are met. Contact the Hotel Tax Auditor to see if you qualify.

23. What is the meal exemption?

The meal exemption was intended to provide a small measure of tax relief to those whose hotel bill includes a meal and a room in the same basic charge. The exemption applies to only that portion of the charge, which addresses the meal. Because this charge is not separately identifiable, the allowable exemption rate is stated on the Hotel Room Rental Tax Report. This exemption should NOT be treated as a discount, nor is it intended to serve as an additional source of revenue to the hotelier. If this is difficult to apply, contact the Hotel Tax Auditor for assistance.

24. If I purchase my hunting license in January, is it good for the entire year?

Hunting licenses are issued for a fiscal year. Your license will expire on June 30 of the same calendar year.

25. Can I purchase a fishing license online?

Yes, you can purchase a license online through the PA Fish & Boat Commission or at a local sporting goods retailer if they are a state agent for the sale of fishing or hunting licenses.

26. Who can purchase a lifetime fishing license?

You must be a Pennsylvania resident 65 years of age, or older to apply for a lifetime license.

27. Do all dogs need to be licensed?

All dogs, 3 months of age or older, are required by the State of Pennsylvania to have a valid dog license. Lack of compliance could result in a fine of up to $500.

28. Where can I purchase a dog license?

Dog licenses can be purchased online, at the Treasurer's Office and at other locations throughout Chester County. Visit our Dog License page for options.  

29. Do I have to renew my dog license every year?

Dog licenses can be purchased for a calendar year and then renewed annually, or you can purchase a lifetime license if your dog is microchipped. For details, visit our website.

30. Are reduced rates available to seniors or the disabled for Dog Licenses?

Yes. 

• Senior Citizens: Adults 65 or older qualify for a discount rate; be sure to include your complete birth date on the application. Proof of age is not required with a signed application.
• Disabled Citizens: Those who provide proof of a disability are eligible for a discount rate. Acceptable forms of disability include a copy of a "letter of award" of Social Security benefits, a copy of a "wallet card" for a parking placard, or a letter from a physician.

31. What should I do if I find a lost dog?

If a lost dog is found, please contact the Treasurer's Office  at 610-344-6370 during normal business hours (8:30am-4:30pm) and provide the tag number and the year on the front of the tag. If you find a dog outside of regular business hours, call the Chester County SPCA at 610-692-6113. They may be able to shelter the dog until the owner can be found. 

32. Can anyone purchase a license for Small Games of Chance or Bingo?

No, licenses are only available to not-for-profit organizations.

33. Does my application for Small Games of Chance & Bingo have to be notarized?

Yes.

34. If I have a concealed weapon's permit, do I still need a pistol permit?

No

35. If I am a non-resident, can I still apply for a Pennsylvania Pistol Permit?

Yes.

36. What can I do if I lose my pistol permit?

A replacement permit can be obtained for a $6 fee. Visit our website for details.

37. I received a check from the Office of The Treasurer of Chester County and I do not know why.

Refunds for overpayment or duplicate payments can occur. If you are in doubt as to why you received a check, please contact us at 610-344-6370 or email.

38. I received a check for $100 and the name of my deceased relative appears on the stub. What is this amount for, and why did I receive it?

The check may represent the amount provided as a one-time death benefit for veterans of the Armed Forces. All inquiries for this activity should be directed to the Department of Veterans' Affairs at 610-344-6375.