Each year the City Council and the York City School Board establish a tax millage. This millage, when multiplied against the assessed value of your property, results in the Face tax due. State law allows for a 2% discount, if taxes are paid within 60 days and a 10% penalty, if taxes are not paid within 120 days (Penalty). Certain properties may qualify for a Homestead Exclusion which will reduce your school property taxes.
City and School Property Tax Payments
BY MAIL or IN PERSON
Office of the City Treasurer
101 S George Street
York, PA 17401
HOURS
Monday through Friday
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Except Major Holidays
City Hall is handicapped accessible and FREE parking is available in the parking lot located south of York City Hall off George Street. Look for the sign that reads “York City Hall Customer Parking”.
Please make sure we have your correct mailing address, email, and daytime phone number. Otherwise, we may not be able to promptly contact you if there are questions concerning your account. If you are a limited partnership or the property is owned by a business, be sure we have the name and contact information for the individual responsible for property tax issues.
Per the York City Ordinance, “the real estate tax notice shall be mailed to the last known post office address of each taxable parcel. Failure to receive the notice shall not relieve any taxpayer from the payment of any taxes imposed by the City.” (305.01) Furthermore, PA Local Tax Collection Law of May 25, 1945, P.L. 1050, No. 384, Section 7 states, “ Effect of Failure to Receive Tax Notice: Failure to receive notice shall not relieve any taxpayer from the payment of any taxes imposed by any taxing district, and such taxpayer shall be charged with his taxes as though he had received notice.
The Treasurer’s Office does not send copies of tax bills to mortgage companies; however, some companies pay a fee for a download of tax data. You will need to consult with your mortgage company to determine whether are not it is necessary for you to send them a copy of your bill.
Current year tax amounts are not available online. If you need documentation concerning the status of current year tax payments, a Tax Certification must be requested. A fee of $25/parcel is required in advance.
Our office accepts CASH, PERSONAL & CERTIFIED CHECKS and MONEY ORDERS.
We do NOT accept debit and credit cards for property tax payments, but we will accept checks received from banks and credit card companies.
Checks should be made payable to City of York. Please note the full PROPERTY ID NUMBER (18 digits i.e. ##–###–##–######–#####) in the check memo area. The property address may not be sufficient. If available, also include bill number.
You should include the tax collector’s portion of your bill with your payment. If you fail to send the tax collector’s portion with your payment, there is currently a $5 fee for a duplicate bill. If you make a payment during the Discount Period and fail to include either the tax collector’s portion or the $5 duplicate bill fee/parcel, your payment will be returned. This may result in missing the Discount Deadline!
If you make a payment during the Face Period or Penalty Period and fail to include either the tax collector’s portion or the $5 duplicate bill fee/parcel, $5 of your payment will be applied to the duplicate bill fee and the balance applied to your property taxes. This will leave a balance due on your account. Effective March 1, 2025, the duplicate bill fee will increase to $10 for all non-homesteaded properties and for all homesteaded properties after the face deadline.
If unpaid after December 31st, this amount will become delinquent and turned over to York County Tax Claim for collection. Any balance turned over to Tax Claim will automatically incur a delinquency fee. Interest will also begin to accrue.
There is no charge for a receipt/s if requested when paying your bill in person or when paying your bill by mail if you send the entire bill or a copy of the entire bill with a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your payment. There is a $5 receipt fee if requested after payment has been received.
Delinquent Tax Inquiries
York County Tax Claim Bureau
28 E Market St
York, PA 17401
Phone: 717-771-9205
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Deadline Dates
Contact Information/Mailing Address Changes
For 2026 York City Real Estate Taxes, Mailing Address Change Forms must be received by the York City Treasurer’s Office by December 15, 2025, to ensure changes will be made before the bills are printed.
For 2025-26 York City School District Real Estate Taxes, Mailing Address Change Forms must be received by the York City Treasurer’s Office by May 15, 2025, to ensure changes will be made before the bills are printed.
However, if contact information changes occur after these deadlines, you should still submit the form as soon as possible so bills can be pulled and changes made prior to mailing.
*Requests for changes in contact information must be signed by the property owner as shown on the deed.
2025 York City Taxes
Discount amount (2% reduction of Face) due for payments postmarked or delivered to the City Treasurer’s Office on or before April 15, 2025.Face amount due for payments postmarked or delivered to the City Treasurer’s Office between April 16 and June 16, 2025.
Penalty amount (Face plus 10%) due for payments postmarked or delivered to the City Treasurer’s Office between June 17 and December 31, 2025.
All payments for York City Real Estate taxes must be submitted directly to the York City Treasurer’s Office or left in the white drop box at the rear entrance of City Hall at 101 S George Street in York prior to 4:00 pm on the deadline date. Payment left in any other location, drop box, or lockbox will not meet the payment deadline. Do not submit any payments for York City or York City School District taxes to York County Offices at 28 E Market Street. There is no way to pay York City or York City School District Real Estate taxes online.
The annual city tax bill and any interim city tax bills issued in the spring of 2025 are delinquent after December 31st and must be paid at York County Tax Claim located at 28 E Market Street after February 1, 2026.
York County Real Estate Taxes must be paid at the York County Treasurer’s Office at 28 E Market Street. To pay your real estate taxes, you must send separate checks to the York City Treasurer’s Office and the York County Treasurer’s Office. Checks with combined payments will be returned to the sender and will result in increased amounts due if deadlines are missed.
2025 York Business Improvement District Assessments
Face amount due for payments postmarked or delivered to the City Treasurer’s Office on or before June 15, 2025.Penalty amount (Face plus 10%) due for payments postmarked or delivered to the City Treasurer’s Office between June 16 and December 31, 2025.
2024 PA Property Tax & Rental Rebates
Applications must be filed with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by June 30, 2025. Deadline is subject to change. Call State Representative Carol Hill-Evans’ Office at (717) 848-9595 for the latest information.2025-26 York City School District Taxes
Rebate amount (2% reduction of Face) due for payments postmarked or delivered to the City Treasurer’s Office on or before September 15, 2025.Face amount due for payments postmarked or delivered to the City Treasurer’s Office between September 16 and November 14, 2025.
Penalty amount (Face plus 10%) due for payments postmarked or delivered to the City Treasurer’s Office between November 15 and December 31, 2025.
All payments for York City School taxes must be submitted directly to the York City Treasurer’s Office or left in the white drop box at the rear entrance of City Hall at 101 S George Street in York prior to 4:00 pm on the deadline date. Payment left in any other location, drop box, or lockbox will not meet the payment deadline. Do not submit any payments for York City or York City School District taxes to York County Offices at 28 E Market Street. There is no way to pay York City or York City School District Real Estate taxes online.
The annual school tax bill and any interim school tax bills issued in the spring of 2025 are delinquent after December 31st and must be paid at York County Tax Claim located at 28 E Market Street after February 1, 2026.
2025 Homestead Applications
For 2025 Homestead Exclusions (applicable only to School taxes), applications must be received by the York County Assessment Office by March 1, 2025. -
Miscellaneous Fees
- Forgiveness Application Fee – $50.00
- Return Check – $40.00
- Property Tax Certification – $25.00
- Transaction History – $20.00
- Duplicate Bill – $5.00
- Effective March 1, 2025, the duplicate bill fee will increase to $10 for all non-homesteaded properties and for all homesteaded properties after the face deadline.
- Duplicate Receipt – $5.00 (only for additional receipts after the payment date)
- The documents noted above can be sent to you via email or the US Postal Service. Self-addressed, stamped envelopes must accompany all requests for transaction histories, duplicate bills and duplicate receipts delivered by US mail. Business envelopes (4 1/4” x 9 ½”) are requested.
All fees must be received prior to the issuing of any of the above documents. Please allow 48 hours from the receipt of your payment for processing of your request.
Local law offices and settlement companies may be able to create an account with the Treasurer’s Office to facilitate faster service. If interested, please contact Wanda Ruffin, Deputy Treasurer at (717) 849-2346.
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Property Tax Certification Requests
Certification Request Form
Please use the Tax Certification Form above and mail your request along with payment to the Office of the City Treasurer located at 101 S George St, York, PA 17401. You may call our office at 717-849-2346 for any questions. Emailing a copy of your request or your check in advance is not necessary. Tax Certifications will not be processed until your payment is received.
Please do not call the office and ask for us to look up payment information to avoid payment for a Tax Certification. Information provided over the phone is not legally binding and may change depending on the receipt of payments, new charges, modification in the assessed value and changes in the exemption status or classification.
Payment
The fee for a Tax Certification is $25 per parcel. The Tax Certification will include current and prior year real estate tax amounts for York City, York City School District and York City Business Improvement District Taxes, if applicable. The certification will not include York County real estate taxes as these taxes are collected by the York County Treasurer’s Office. Checks should be made payable to York City Treasurer, 101 S George Street, York, PA 17401
Processing Time
Your request will be processed in the order in which it was received. Normal processing time, once we receive your check, is 2 business days; however, processing may take longer during extremely busy periods. An additional fee for “Rush Service” may apply.
Delivery
You may request to have the Tax Certification mailed or emailed to you. We will normally mail your Tax Certification to you, but if you need the document ASAP and have access to a computer and printer we can also scan and email the document to you. Be sure to include your email address and daytime phone number with your request. Please print clearly.
Updates
We will provide free updates for 60 days from the date of your Tax Certification. After 60 days, the $25 fee per parcel for a new Tax Certification will be required. To receive an update, send an email to wruffin@yorkcity.org
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Homestead Exclusions
Homestead & Farmstead Exclusion Application & Instructions
If you own the property and reside in the property as your sole primary residence, you may be eligible for a property tax reduction on your school taxes.
Applications are available via the link above, at the Office of the City Treasurer, 101 S George Street, and at the York County Assessment Office, 28 E Market Street. The application must be signed by the owner for which the property is his or her primary residence. All application materials must be completed and returned by March 1st to be eligible for the school tax year which begins on July 1st.
The York County Assessment Office will notify those who are approved within 30 days.
Should the status of your Homestead Application be in question, you will be notified as soon as possible after the March 1st deadline. Failing to reply to any notice received as requested may result in the denial of your Homestead Application and require that you reapply for exclusions in future years.
Any person who files an application containing false information or who does not continue to meet the requirements for the Homestead Exclusion will lose their Homestead Exclusion.
Households who no longer qualify for a Homestead Exclusion are required to notify the York County Assessment Office and the City Treasurer’s Office within 45 days that there has been a change in use and that the property no longer qualifies for a Homestead Exclusion.
Households who no longer qualify for a Homestead Exclusion are required to notify the York County Assessment Office and the City Treasurer’s Office within 45 days that there has been a change in use and that the property no longer qualifies for a Homestead Exclusion.
Homeowners who continue to accept a Homestead Exclusion after they are no longer qualified for the exclusion will:
- Be required to pay the taxes which would have otherwise been due plus interest
- Be required to pay a penalty equal to 10% of the unpaid taxes
- If convicted of a misdemeanor of the third degree for filing a false application, pay a fine not to exceed $2,500
If you have questions, please visit or call one of the following offices:
Office of the City Treasurer
101 S George Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 849-2281York County Assessment Office
28 E Market Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 771-9232 -
Installment Payments
You are currently allowed to make up to FOUR installment payments on Municipal (City) taxes and up to FOUR installment payments on School taxes. Installment payments are not permitted on County taxes.
To take advantage of the discount allowed on County taxes, you should pay your County taxes upon receipt. Each year, County tax bills and City tax bills will both arrive soon after February 15th. Set aside money in January so you can pay your County bill when it arrives.
No discounts are allowed on City and School installment payments. The amounts of these payments are determined by dividing the amount due at Face by four. If the amount due is not exactly divisible by four, rounding up to the penny.
You will need to make your four City installment payments before the 15th of March, April, May & June. Follow this schedule and you can avoid all city penalties! In mid-July your school tax bill will arrive. Pay your first installment immediately and stay on scheduling paying a fourth of your school bill in August, September and October. This may prove to be more difficult since school bills are almost twice the amount of City bills.
However, there are several ways you can lower the impact of your school tax bills.
(1) Apply for a PA Property Tax/Rental Rebate. File for your rebate as soon as you can after the first of the year and use your rebate to pay your school taxes. Remember the purpose of the rebate is to help you pay your taxes.
(2) Apply for a homestead exclusion before the March 1 deadline. If you qualify, your school tax bill will be lowered by the amount of the exclusion. Missed the deadline? Applications are accepted throughout the year so get qualified now and you’ll take advantage of the exclusion next year.
(3) Set up an escrow account with the City Treasurer’s Office. By making monthly auto-deposits in your City escrow account year around you can save money for your annual bills and pay the least amount possible. Monthly deposit amounts to be determined in consultation with Treasury staff.
Remember if paying by mail, the USPS postmark determines if the payment meets the deadline date. Postal meter dates and check dates are not accepted as valid proof that the deadline was met. The entire bill and, if paying by mail, a stamped, self-addressed envelope should accompany each payment. If you fail to bring the Tax Collector portion of the bill, you will be charged a duplicate bill fee.
When you pay your bill, we will return to you your portion of the bill and a computer-generated receipt indicating the number of installment payments you have made. You should bring or mail your portion of the bill or a copy thereof each time you make a payment. If you need additional copies of your bill, we will make up to three copies for you at no cost.
If using an Internet Payment System, please be sure to include the duplicate bill fee and the complete parcel number and bill number on your check each time a payment is made.
Upon making your last payment, we will provide you with additional copies of your final receipt should you need additional copies for your income taxes, your accountant, your mortgage company, or your Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rental Rebate application. However, please remember to ask for these additional copies when you make your final payment. Otherwise, you will be charged a duplicate receipt fee.
Remember that we do not accept credit cards or debit cards for property tax payments. We do accept cashier’s checks, money orders and cash throughout the year. Personal checks and business checks are accepted through December 15th.
Include your daytime phone number and/or email address in any correspondence sent to the Treasurer’s Office so we can quickly reach you should there be any questions.
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Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption Program
On January 1, 2025, the State Veterans’ Commission adjusted the presumptive need level for the Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption upward to $114,637 in accordance with state law. Veterans and surviving spouses who have previously been denied for need are encouraged to consider submitting a new application.
Mandatory eligibility criteria for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses include:
- Resident of the Commonwealth
- Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States
- Service during a period of war as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (operation or service-specific expeditionary medals can also be used to establish wartime service)
- Real estate occupied as principal dwelling
- Real estate owned solely by the veteran or jointly with spouse or as an estate by the entirety
- 100 percent permanent service-connected disability, total disability individual unemployability, or service-connected blindness, paraplegia, or loss of two or more limbs as rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Applicants must also show financial need. Applicants with an annual income of $114,637 or less are given a presumption of need for the exemption. Applicants whose gross annual income exceeds $114,637 will be considered to have a financial need for the exemption when their allowable monthly expenses exceed monthly household income. The applicant’s monthly household expenses must be verified with supporting documentation and will be calculated to include a cost-of-living allowance.
To apply for the Disabled Veterans’ Real Estate Tax Exemption, contact your County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county where you currently reside. In York County contact Kevin Smyers, 2401 Pleasant Valley Road, Suite 101, York, PA 17402
Email: yorkvet@yorkcountypa.gov Phone: 717-771-9218
If you have additional questions, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at Ra-retx@pa.gov
Please do not send completed applications or personally identifiable information via e-mail.
- LERTA/ReTAP Application Form
- RETAP - Residential Property Tax Abatement Program Guidelines
- LERTA - Commercial Property Tax Abatement Program Guidelines
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Downtown Inc / York Business Improvement District Authority
Downtown Inc. is the trade name for a joint venture between the York Business Improvement District Authority and Main Street York, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Together they work to drive, enhance, and encourage investment in downtown York. Through this strategic partnership, Downtown Inc is able to leverage the resources and expertise necessary to further drive their mission. The organization is comprised of a staff of six, a board of eleven directors, and more than 125 dedicated volunteers.
The YBIDA is given permission through city ordinance to charge a one mill assessment on commercial and residential rental properties in the Central Business District, one of the lowest assessments charged by a Business Improvement District in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. YBIDA bills are mailed each year in mid-March and are payable at the York City Treasurer’s Office located on the first floor of York City Hall at 101 S George Street in downtown York. The office is open for in person payments Mondays through Fridays, except holidays from 9am – 4pm.
YBIDA fees are applied to efforts and programming in the areas of safety, promotions and events, beautification and economic development.
Main Office and Mailing Address
144 Roosevelt Avenue
York, PA 17401
Monday-Thursday 9:30am – 5:00pmDowntown Resource Center
44 W Philadelphia St
York, PA 17401
Mondays 12pm – 4pmPH: (717) 848-4000
Email: info@downtownyorkpa.com
www.downtownyorkpa.com -
Earned Income & Mercantile/Business Privilege Taxes -> York Adams Tax
The York Adams Tax Bureau collects and distributes Earned Income Tax for 124 municipalities and school districts in York and Adams Counties. All residents of Adams County and all residents of York County (except West Shore School District) file their annual earned income tax returns with YATB. The Bureau also collects Local Services Tax, Mercantile/Business Privilege Tax, Distressed Pension Tax and Admissions Tax for the City of York.
Click on the following link for more information on the York Adams Tax Bureau and the New Resident/Change of Address Form. If you are a new resident or if you have a change of address, please complete the form and return it to the address below.
New Resident/Change of Address Form
York County residents may contact the Taxpayer Services Department at the York Adams Tax Bureau for additional information.
Office Location
York Adams Tax Bureau
1405 N. Duke St.
York, PA 17404
Phone: (717) 845-1584
Fax: (717) 854-6376Mailing Address
York Adam Tax Bureau
PO Box 15627
York, PA 17405
Email: Info@yatb.com
Website: www.yatb.com -
Fire Escrow Act 98
The Office of the City Treasurer is responsible for the administration of Fire Escrow Act 98 of 1992 which amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921, provides procedures for certain fire loss claims and allows municipalities to file ordinances related to this law.
The City Ordinance does not permit the insurance company to pay any claim in excess of $7,500 without contacting the Treasurer’s Office for a certificate showing the amount of delinquent taxes, assessments or user charges due on the property.
The ordinance also states that if a fire loss equals or exceeds 60% of the limits of liability, the insurance company is required to transfer to the City Treasurer $2,000 for each $15,000 or fraction thereof from the insurance proceeds. [Act 98 of 1992 Sec. 508 (c)].
The ordinance also sets responsibilities and duties, claim recoverable by insuring agent, limits of liability, insurance requirements, severability, and penalties.
See City Ordinance – Article 1512 (Fire Insurance Escrow Act) on the City website for the complete document.
Fire Escrow checks should be payable to York City Treasurer and mailed to the Office of the City Treasurer, 101 S. George St., York, PA 17401. The name of the property owner as listed on the deed, property address and 18-digit parcel number should accompany the insurance check.
For additional information, the Fire Insurance Escrow Act (Act 93 of 1994 § 638) is posted on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, a division of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. This section addresses the Municipal certificate required prior to payment of fire loss claims.
