Scranton Property Tax Guide: 2026 Rates, Appeals & Relief

Scranton Property Tax rates for 2026 saw the county millage settle at 5.79 mills, shaping the average bill for neighborhoods from downtown to Green Ridge.
Homeowners can check the online Scranton property tax calculator or request a tax transcript from the Lackawanna County Assessor’s Office (570‑963‑6728, assessor@lackawannacounty.org).
The Scranton municipal tax collector contact information is available through the Single Tax Office at 315 Franklin Ave, and payment deadlines fall in early February with a 2 % discount for early payment.
Eligible seniors can apply for property tax relief, while exemptions for veterans, disabled, and homestead owners reduce the taxable base.

Scranton real estate tax assessment appeals must be filed between April 1 and August 1 using the Notice of Appeal form (fee $35 residential, $125 commercial).
The guide to Scranton property tax appeals explains how to request a hearing at the Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau and what documentation supports a reduction.
For delinquent accounts, the Scranton tax lien foreclosure procedure begins after the penalty period ends on December 31, 2026, and a list of delinquent taxes is posted online.
Commercial property tax rates differ from residential caps, and the city’s school district levy details are reflected on each combined bill.

Search Scranton City Property Tax

Property owners in Scranton, Pennsylvania can begin their tax inquiry through the Lackawanna County public records database, which hosts the official property assessment information for every parcel in the city. The first step requires visiting the county website at https://www.lackawannacounty.org and locating the Assessment Office section under the Government Departments menu.

Once on the Assessment Office page, users can click the property search link to access the online database. The search function accepts a parcel number, property address, or owner name to pull up current assessment data. Results display the new 2026 assessed value, property classification, lot size, and recent sale history tied to each parcel.

For residents who cannot locate their records online, the Assessor’s Office accepts phone inquiries at (570) 963-6728 during regular business hours. Walk-in assistance is available at the Lackawanna County Government Center at 123 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, where staff can help identify parcel numbers and verify assessment details in person.

Scranton Property Tax Rates and Millage Structure

The 2026 Lackawanna County millage rate settled at 5.79 mills, marking a sharp drop from the previous 89.98 mills that had governed property taxation since 1968. A mill represents one dollar of tax for every one thousand dollars of assessed value, so the lower millage rate pairs with much higher assessed values following the countywide reassessment.

To estimate a county tax bill, property owners multiply the new assessed value by 5.79, then divide by 1,000. For example, a home assessed at 225,000 produces a county tax of approximately 1,302.75 dollars for the year. The City of Scranton and Scranton School District apply separate millage rates that appear on a different bill.

Two-Bill System for Scranton Taxpayers

For the first time in over 55 years, residents receive two separate property tax bills each year due to the property reassessment. The first bill covers the Lackawanna County real estate tax, while the second combines the City of Scranton tax, the Scranton School District tax, and the refuse fee into one mailing.

This split billing approach allows the county, city, and school district to track revenue independently and reflects the post-reassessment structure now in place. Property owners should watch for both envelopes in mid to late February, as each bill contains different payment instructions and deadlines.

Payment Deadlines and Discount Periods

Lackawanna County offers a discount period that runs through April 15, 2026, providing a 2 percent reduction on the face value of the tax bill. Payments postmarked or submitted online by the April deadline qualify for this early payment savings on the county portion of the bill.

After the discount window closes, the face value period begins on April 16, 2026 and runs through June 30, 2026. During this stretch, property owners must pay the full assessed amount without any additional penalty. Starting July 1, 2026, the penalty period activates and runs through December 31, 2026, adding interest charges to unpaid balances.

Installment Payment Plan for County Taxes

Lackawanna County introduced a quarterly installment option for the 2026 tax year, giving property owners four scheduled payment dates instead of one lump sum. Tax Collector Cathy Nealon Wechsler announced the new structure to ease the financial impact of reassessment-driven value increases on households across the county.

The installment dates for the county real estate tax fall on March 31, June 30, August 31, and October 31, with each quarterly payment representing one quarter of the annual county tax obligation. Interest does not apply to taxpayers who pay each installment on time, making this a cost-effective alternative to the lump-sum approach.

• First installment: due March 31
• Second installment: due June 30
• Third installment: due August 31
• Fourth installment: due October 31

Scranton Property Tax Appeal Process

Property owners who disagree with the new 2026 assessed value of their parcel can file a formal appeal with the Lackawanna County Assessment Office. The appeal window opens on April 1 and closes on August 1, giving residents a four-month window to challenge their valuations.

Appeals require a completed Notice of Appeal form, available through the Assessment Office website. Residential parcels carry a 35 dollar filing fee, while commercial parcels require a 125 dollar fee. Hearings take place at the Lackawanna County Government Center at 123 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, where a board reviews evidence and issues determinations.

Evidence Needed for a Successful Tax Appeal

Property owners who file appeals should gather supporting documents that demonstrate their assessed value exceeds the actual market value. Comparable sales of similar nearby properties form the strongest evidence, especially when those sales closed within a reasonable timeframe before the reassessment.

Additional supporting materials include recent appraisals, photographs of property defects, and documentation of any structural issues that reduce market value. Income and expense reports for commercial properties help establish whether the assessed value aligns with the income the property generates in the current rental market.

• Comparable sales data
• Independent professional appraisal report
• Photographs showing property condition or defects
• Income and expense statements for commercial rentals

Property Tax Exemptions Available in Scranton

Pennsylvania law provides several property tax exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value for qualifying property owners. The homestead exclusion applies to owner-occupied primary residences and lowers the taxable base, while additional exclusions target seniors, disabled residents, and veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Surviving spouses of military personnel killed in action qualify for a separate exclusion under state law. Most exemptions require a one-time application filed with the local county assessor, though some programs need annual income recertification to maintain eligibility status year over year.

Senior Property Tax Relief Programs

Residents aged 65 and older may qualify for property tax relief through Pennsylvania’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program. This state-funded program issues cash rebates to eligible seniors and disabled adults who pay property taxes or rent on their primary residence.

Income limits apply to the rebate program, and applicants must demonstrate that their annual income falls below the threshold set by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Applications open each January and remain available until the December deadline, with rebates issued after processing concludes at the state level.

Delinquent Taxes and Lien Foreclosure Procedures

Property owners who fail to pay their Lackawanna County or Scranton real estate taxes by the end of the year face escalating collection actions. The Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau manages delinquent accounts and sends formal notification before proceeding with lien filings and potential property sales.

Statutorily established payment plans remain available to property owners who experience financial hardship, allowing them to spread delinquent balances over time. Property owners aged 65 and over may qualify for a deferral program that pauses collection actions while the owner continues to live in the home, with the deferred amount becoming due upon sale or transfer.

• Payment plans for delinquent accounts
• Senior deferral program for ages 65 and over
• Tax Claim Bureau lien filings
• Upset sales and judicial sales for unpaid balances

Scranton Single Tax Office Payment Methods

The Scranton Single Tax Office accepts payments in person, by mail, through a drive-through window, and online through the official payment portal at scrantontaxoffice.org. The office sits on the first floor of the Lackawanna County Department of Health and Human Services building at 315 Franklin Avenue, Scranton.

Online payments require the parcel number or personal identification number printed on the tax bill. The portal accepts credit and debit cards plus electronic checks, with processing fees added to each transaction. Residents who experience technical issues can call the Single Tax Office at (570) 963-6756 for direct support during business hours.

Commercial vs Residential Tax Rate Differences

Commercial properties in Scranton face a different tax structure than residential parcels, with higher assessed values per square foot and separate exemption rules. The 2026 reassessment updated both residential and commercial valuations, but the millage rate calculations apply uniformly across all property types within each taxing jurisdiction.

Income-producing commercial property owners should review the new assessed values carefully and compare them against actual market rents and capitalization rates. Properties whose assessed values jumped beyond the underlying income potential often represent the strongest appeal candidates for commercial owners seeking reductions.

Scranton School District Levy Details

The Scranton School District sets its own millage rate each year through the school board budget process, and the rate appears on the combined city and school district bill mailed to Scranton property owners. School taxes fund the largest share of the total property tax burden for most residents in the district.

After the 2026 county reassessment, school district rates dropped significantly to reflect the higher assessed values now in place. The combined bill for the City of Scranton and Scranton School District arrives separately from the county bill, and each carries its own payment schedule, discount periods, and penalty rules.

Tax Assessor Map and Parcel Identification

The Lackawanna County Assessment Office maintains an online GIS map that displays parcel boundaries, property dimensions, and assessment data for every property in the county. Property owners can use the map to verify lot lines, identify neighboring parcels, and confirm the accuracy of the data tied to their tax records.

Users access the map through the Assessment Office portal on the county website. The interactive map accepts address searches, parcel number lookups, and owner name queries, then displays the matching parcel with assessment details overlaid on the geographic view of Scranton.

Requesting a Scranton Property Tax Transcript

Property owners who need a tax transcript for mortgage applications, refinance processes, or legal matters can request one through the Lackawanna County Assessment Office. Transcripts summarize the current assessed value, tax status, payment history, and any exemptions applied to the parcel.

Requests can be submitted by phone, by mail, or in person at the Assessment Office. Refer to the official county website for specific request procedures and any applicable fees.

Property Tax Refund Process in Scranton

Residents who overpay their property taxes or who pay on a parcel they no longer own can apply for a refund through the appropriate county office. The refund process requires proof of the overpayment, the correct ownership records, and a completed refund request form.

Approved refunds typically process within a standard timeframe from the date of application, with checks mailed to the property owner of record. The Single Tax Office can also adjust future bills to credit overpayments against upcoming tax obligations, allowing residents to apply credits forward instead of requesting a cash refund.

Average Tax Bills Across Scranton Neighborhoods

Tax bills vary widely across Scranton neighborhoods because the 2026 reassessment produced different value adjustments in different parts of the city. Specific neighborhood-level assessment changes can be verified through the Lackawanna County assessment database for each individual parcel.

Property owners should compare their 2026 assessed value against recent neighborhood sales to determine whether their bill reflects current market reality. The county reassessment represents the first comprehensive update of property values in over 55 years, so adjustments vary significantly from parcel to parcel.

Impact of New Development on Scranton Property Taxes

New residential and commercial development in Scranton influences property tax bills by shifting comparable sales data and increasing the overall assessed value base within neighborhoods. Major projects can push values upward in surrounding blocks, contributing to higher assessments for nearby properties.

On the upside, new development also expands the tax base and can support lower millage rates over time as revenue spreads across a larger pool of assessed value. Scranton property owners should monitor planning commission agendas and zoning approvals to track how upcoming projects may influence their future tax bills.

Scranton Tax Code Changes Following Reassessment

The 2026 tax year brought significant code changes tied directly to the county reassessment, including the end of the split millage structure that Scranton used for 112 years. Under the old system, the city charged one tax rate for land and a different rate for buildings, a structure that became impractical once new uniform assessments took effect.

Scranton City Council ended the split millage practice as part of the 2026 budget process, which passed without a tax increase. The new code treats land and improvements under a single millage rate, simplifying calculations for property owners and aligning Scranton with standard municipal tax structures used throughout Pennsylvania.

Scranton Property Tax Payment Plans

Property owners facing temporary financial difficulty can request a payment plan through the Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau. The bureau reviews each request on a case-by-case basis and structures payment schedules that fit the property owner’s documented ability to pay.

Approved payment plans typically require regular monthly payments plus a portion of the delinquent balance until the account returns to current status. Missing a scheduled payment under an active plan can result in plan cancellation and the resumption of full collection actions, so property owners should commit only to amounts they can sustain.

Scranton Municipal Tax Collector Operations

The Scranton Single Tax Office serves as the consolidated collection point for Lackawanna County, the City of Scranton, and the Scranton School District. Tax Collector Cathy Nealon Wechsler oversees operations and administers the billing, collection, and enforcement activities for all three taxing authorities.

Residents can reach the Single Tax Office by phone at (570) 963-6756, by mail at 315 Franklin Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, or in person at the office lobby. The drive-through window offers a quick-payment option for residents who prefer not to enter the building during high-volume periods.

Scranton Tax Assessor Office Location and Access

The Lackawanna County Assessment Office operates from the Lackawanna County Government Center at 123 Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. Property owners should consult the official county website for specific office hours and suite numbers before visiting in person.

Property owners can reach the Assessment Office by phone at (570) 963-6728 for questions regarding reassessment values and the appeal process. Staff can schedule in-person appointments for complex assessment questions or appeal preparation.

Preparing Documentation for a Scranton Tax Appeal Hearing

Property owners who proceed to a formal appeal hearing should organize their evidence into a clear presentation that compares their assessed value against recent market data. Photographs, appraisal reports, and comparable sales printouts should be sorted by relevance and labeled for easy reference during the hearing.

Bringing a copy of the complete evidence packet to the hearing ensures the board can review the documentation while testimony proceeds. Property owners may also represent themselves or hire a licensed real estate appraiser or property tax attorney to speak on their behalf during the proceeding.

Scranton Property Tax Frequently Asked Scenarios

Property owners who recently purchased a home in Scranton will receive a tax bill prorated to the closing date, with the buyer responsible for the portion of the year they own the property. Title companies typically handle the proration during closing and credit the appropriate amount to both buyer and seller.

Landlords who rent out residential property in Scranton remain responsible for paying the full property tax bill even when tenants cover the cost through lease agreements. Late payments on rental properties follow the same penalty schedule as owner-occupied homes, with interest accruing on unpaid balances starting July 1.

Verified Contact Information for Scranton Property Tax Offices

The Lackawanna County Assessor’s Office handles property valuation questions and reassessment appeals and can be reached at (570) 963-6728. Questions regarding tax bill payments, installment plans, or delinquent accounts should be directed to the Scranton Single Tax Office at (570) 963-6756, located at 315 Franklin Avenue in Scranton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scranton property tax matters affect every homeowner, renter, and business owner in the city. Knowing how to read a bill, where to get assessment details, and how to apply for exemptions can prevent costly mistakes and save money. The following answers cover the most common concerns and point you to the right county offices.

What is the phone number to contact the Scranton property tax assessor?

The Lackawanna County Assessor’s Office handles all Scranton real‑estate tax assessments. Call the main line at 570‑963‑6728 for valuation questions, parcel searches, or to schedule an in‑person appointment. When you call, have your parcel number ready to speed up service.

How can I pay my 2026 Scranton property tax bill online?

Visit the Scranton Single Tax Office portal at https://scrantontaxoffice.org/. Choose “Make a Payment,” enter your parcel number (no dashes), and select the payment schedule—full amount or the new four‑installment plan. Payments can be made by credit card or bank transfer. Confirm the transaction receipt for your records.

Where do I find the 2026 Scranton tax rates and millage for residential property?

The County website lists the latest rates under “Tax Assessment > Millage Rates.” For 2026, the county millage is 5.79 mills per $1,000 of assessed value. Multiply your assessed value by 0.00579 to estimate the county portion of your bill. City and school district rates appear on the same page.

What steps must I follow to appeal a Scranton property tax assessment?

First, download the Notice of Appeal form from the Assessor’s site. Complete the form, attach supporting evidence such as recent sales data, and pay the $35 fee for residential parcels. Submit the packet by the deadline—usually early August. After filing, a hearing is scheduled at the Lackawanna County Government Center, 123 Wyoming Ave., Scranton.

How do seniors qualify for property tax relief in Scranton?

Seniors 65 or older may apply for the general homestead reduction and an additional senior exemption. Obtain the exemption application from the Assessor’s Office, fill it out, and include proof of age and income if required. Once approved, the exemption reduces the taxable portion of your home value, lowering the overall bill.

Who handles delinquent Scranton property tax liens and how can I stop a foreclosure?

The Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau manages tax liens. Contact the bureau at 570‑969‑9600 to discuss payment plans or hardship options. Paying the outstanding amount plus any penalties before the December 31 deadline clears the lien and halts foreclosure proceedings.