SUNBURY - To save time and money, the Northumberland County Assessment Bureau and the county's school district will reduce the number of mail sent out for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion.
In a press release Tuesday, the bureau announced there will not be a mass mailing this year. Instead, applications will be mailed only to property owners who have been previously denied or have not responded to past applications.
According to county deputy chief assessor Tiffany Kaseman, that cuts the amount down significantly.
"We are going from 32,000 applications down to 6,500, which is quite a drop," she said.
Property owners who have received the exemption in previous years and are still living at the property for which they were enrolled successfully will not need to file another application.
This also includes owners who have had their properties partially accepted, as well as owners who have been dually accepted for homestead and farmstead exclusions.
Kaseman said that 82 percent of the homes in the county are currently getting the exemption, which provides school property tax relief for Pennsylvania residents through revenue from the state's casinos.
While school district business managers could not be reached Tuesday for exact savings, cutting down on mailings could save tens of thousands of dollars. If each application and a return envelope costs 88 cents to mail, sending 32,000 applications would cost $28,160. Under the new plan, mailings would cost $5,720, which doesn't include the amount saved from reduced printing costs.
"Not only will the districts save time and money, but the bureau will as well," Kaseman said.
Requirements
The assessment bureau would like to remind property owners who are filing for the first time of the following requirements:
- Applicant(s) must own and permanently reside at the property for which they are applying.
- Properties that are used dually for commercial and residential purposes may be accepted, provided the applicant permanently resides at the property for which they are applying.
- Farmstead properties must meet a minimum requirement of having ten or more contiguous acres. Further requirements must be met according to the application. Contact the assessment bureau for assistance with the farmstead exclusion application process.
- Applicants may not file for multiple properties.
- Properties may not be combined on an application to meet the minimum Farmstead requirement.
- Applicants are permitted a single exclusion in the state of Pennsylvania and may be disqualified if they are found to be enrolled with any other county. Also, applicants may be disqualified if it is found that they receive a Homestead exclusion from any other state.
The assessment bureau will gladly discuss any questions or special circumstances with applicants prior to the filing deadline of March 1. Anyone with questions is urged to contact the assessment bureau at 988-4112.