Reassessment

Lycoming County Reassessment Project

Lycoming County last reassessed the entire county in 2004. Twenty years have passed since the last reassessment and the assessments in the County are getting older and out of date. Over time, trends in the market have caused property values to become inconsistent and unfair. While one neighborhood may be growing, another maybe in decline. This results in taxpayers paying more or less than their fair share of the tax burden.

Studies conducted annually by the State Tax Equalization Board show a disparity between the county assessed values & recent sales prices. This brings on more appeals which in turn leads to a further lack of uniformity.

Reassessment is needed when the property values used to make up the tax base are inconsistent, unfair and/or too old to reflect current market trends and changes in the value of real estate. Reassessment cannot be used by the County, or any other taxing body, as a means to collect increased revenue. It is simply a tool to equalize assessments and ensure, once again, that all taxpayers are paying their fair share.

This is why Lycoming County has contracted with Tyler Technologies to conduct a reassessment of Lycoming County.

Forms and Applications

Title Description Date Modified
Clean & Green Application This application is for land that has not previously been enrolled in Clean & Green  
Clean & Green Booklet This booklet will provide more information regarding the Clean & Green program.  
Homestead Application This form is used when filing for the Homestead/Farmstead exclusion.   

Other Useful Tax Information

Title Description Date Modified
Article on Reassessment Article written by Jonathan Williamson, Ph.D for the 2015 reassessment that was canceled in late 2012  
100 Reasons - 2025 Book showing properties that have sold in Lycoming County with market value vs the sales price.  
Presentation Reassessment Presentation given at the public meeting on 12/14/2023  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Market Value?

Market value has been defined by the State Supreme Court as “the price in a competitive market a purchaser, willing but not obligated to buy, would pay an owner, willing but not obligated to sell, taking into consideration all the legal uses to which the property can be adapted and might reasonably be applied.”

Why are we having another reassessment?

A reassessment is needed when the property values that are used to make up the tax base become inconsistent, unfair, or too old to reflect the current trends and changes in the actual value of real estate. 

You want more money from taxpayers?

"Reassessment can't be used as a means to generate more revenue."

The state law requires that after the tax base has been equalized & brought to current market value, the millage rate must be reduced in order to collect the same amount of revenue as the previous tax year. If the tax bodies require additional money. The county & townships may not collect increased revenues greater than 10% on the total market value of all property in Lycoming County.  The school districts are limited to the school index.

Do I have to pay a fee to file an Reassessment Appeal.

No the appeal fee will be waived during the reassessment.

I want to file an appeal on my taxes.

You cannot file an appeal on your taxes.  You MUST appeal the value of the property.  The age or financial status of a person is not irrelevant in an appeal.

Where does the money go from my taxes?

The revenue collected from property taxes helps support the county, the townships and local school district.  These taxing bodies use the funds to provide you with all of the services that you enjoy, such as public schools, libraries, parks, police and fire protection, and many other public benefits.

Why do you have to raise the value of my property, we went though this in 2004?

The assessments are now 20 years old and values have already deteriorated.  Some taxpayers are paying more or less than their fair share of the tax burden.  Taxpayers should pay their fair share of taxes.

What causes property values to change?
  • Physical changes - new garages, new swimming pools, fire damage, flood damage, additions
  • Change in market - one neighborhood is growing, another may be in decline