Taxpayers urged to send in Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion application to reduce their school property tax bills

HARRISBURG, PA (December 9, 2019)—Taxpayers who own and occupy property as their primary residence in Dauphin County are encouraged to file a homestead/farmstead exclusion form, between December 15, 2019 and March 1, 2020, to reduce their school property tax bills.

Property owners must apply before March 1, 2020 in order to be approved for a reduction in their assessment for school tax purposes.  Applications are being mailed December 13th, 2019 to eligible property owners in Dauphin County. 

“You may be able to reduce your school property tax bill by more than $100 by completing the homestead/farmstead exclusion,” said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III, who has oversight of the county’s Office of Tax Assessment.  “Don’t miss this opportunity to exclude a portion of your assessment.” 

Property owners with approved applications on file with the assessment office will be eligible for the homestead and/or farmstead assessment exclusion effective for the 2020-2021 school tax year.  

The Taxpayers Relief Act (homestead/farmstead exclusion), Act 1 of Special Session 1 of 2006, provided a mechanism to reduce homeowners’ school real property tax, drawing upon proceeds from gaming revenue.  To qualify, the property must be the owner’s primary residence.

Applications are approved for a three-year time period. If anapplication was previously filed and approved, a new application is not necessary.  Notification will be provided when renewal is required. 

Applications can be downloaded and printed by visiting www.DauphinCounty.org and clicking on the “One-Stop Forms Shop” and “The Taxpayer Relief Act – Act 1, SS 1 of 2006” under “Tax Assessment.”  Applications can also be picked up at county libraries, school district business offices and the county assessment office, Dauphin County Administration Building, 2 S. Second St. in Harrisburg.  For more information, property owners can contact Dauphin County Tax Assessment at 717-780-6101, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“The reductions that homeowners and farmers receive will vary depending on the school district in which they live and the revenue collected from slots,” said Commissioner Jeff Haste. 

“Make sure to file your homestead/farmstead exclusion form before the deadline, and if you have any questions, please call our Tax Assessment office for help,” said Commissioner Mike Pries.

Homeowners should receive notification of their approval status.  Applicants may also check the status by visiting www.dauphinpropertyinfo.org.