Homestead and farmstead exclusion real estate tax assessment reduction began with authorization for the school year beginning July 1, 2007 under the provisions of the Homestead Property Exclusion Program Act (part of Act 50 of 1998) and the Taxpayer Relief Act (Act 1 of 2006).

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has notified the School District that PDE will pay the District $802,8341. from State Gambling Tax Funds to be used for homestead/farmstead tax exclusions for the 2023 taxes.

Lancaster County Assessor’s Office certified 1,892 homestead properties and 0 farmstead properties in the Columbia Borough School District.

Dividing the PDE distribution amount of $801,706.31. by 1,863 homestead/farmstead properties, the maximum real estate tax reduction amount applicable for 2023-24 is $430.93 for each certified homestead (reduction of assessed value by $16,286).

This amount will appear as a credit on your property tax bill if your property has been certified as part of this program.

Contact the Lancaster County Assessor’s Office for more information about applying for this program.