PA · Cap or school-tax relief, no flat amount
Pennsylvania homestead exemption
Yes, but the amount varies: Pennsylvania's homestead exclusion lowers the assessed value of your primary residence for school taxes by an amount your school district sets, funded mostly by state gaming money.
- Main exemption
- Varies; see detailsSchool district property taxes
- Filing deadline
- March 1
- Own and live there by
- Not in our data
- Renewal
- Renews automatically
- Where to file
- County assessment office
Yes, but the amount varies: Pennsylvania's homestead exclusion lowers the assessed value of your primary residence for school taxes by an amount your school district sets, funded mostly by state gaming money. You apply once with your county assessment office by March 1. Older adults, widows and widowers 50+ and people with disabilities can also get a Property Tax/Rent Rebate of up to $1,000, and qualifying 100% disabled veterans can be fully exempt.
Last verified · Sources
How much the Pennsylvania exemption is worth
Under a homestead exclusion, the assessed value of each homestead is reduced by the same amount before school tax is computed. The amount is set by each school district from its state property tax reduction allocation.
Who qualifies
- The home is your primary residence (domicile) and you are an owner.
- Condo and co-op units used as an owner's domicile qualify.
- If part of a building is your home, only that portion qualifies.
- Farms of at least 10 acres used as the owner's domicile may also get a farmstead exclusion.
Deadline and renewal
For relief in tax years beginning July 1 or January 1, file by the preceding March 1. The deadline is set by law and cannot be extended by the Governor.
School districts must notify you by December 31 if your property is not approved or your approval is due to expire.
If you missed the deadline
The March 1 deadline is set in the Homeowner Tax Relief Act; there is no extension unless the legislature changes it. Source.
Form: Application for Homestead and Farmstead Exclusions · open the official form
Extra breaks for seniors, veterans and disabled owners
| Who | Program | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seniors | Property Tax/Rent Rebate (65+, widows 50+, disabled 18+) | $1,000 tax credit | Rebates range from $380 to $1,000 depending on income, for household income up to $48,110. Applications for the current round are due December 31, 2026. Source |
| Veterans | Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption | Not in our data | Veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability, total individual unemployability or certain severe disabilities who show financial need are exempt from real estate tax on their home. Income of $114,637 or less is presumed to show need. Source |
| Surviving spouses | Surviving spouse of a disabled veteran | Not in our data | Surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans can also receive the real estate tax exemption under the same need test. Source |
Law: Taxpayer Relief Act (Act 1 of Special Session 1 of 2006); Homeowner Tax Relief Act (Act 72 of 2004)
Pennsylvania county guides
Local offices, online filing links and local amounts for 5 counties, largest first.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Pennsylvania homestead exclusion?
It depends on your school district, which reduces every approved homestead's assessed value by the same amount.
When is the deadline?
March 1, filed with your county assessment office, for the tax year that begins the following July 1 or January 1.
Do I have to reapply?
No, but your school district will notify you by December 31 if your approval is due to expire or was denied.
Sources
- Property Tax Relief Through Homestead Exclusion · PA Department of Community & Economic Development
- Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program · PA Department of Revenue
- Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption · PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Last verified
See something wrong or out of date? Report an error.