Frequently Asked Questions
1. What period does my annual tax bill cover? (back to top)
A: An annual tax bill covers the period from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.
2. Where does my tax bill get mailed? (back to top)
A: All original tax bills are mailed to the property owner at the last known post office address.
3. My address is wrong on my bill? (back to top)
A: Please complete the Change of Address form.
4. What happens if I do not receive a tax bill? (back to top)
A: All annual bills are mailed by July 1 each year. Tax bills are mailed to the last known post office address of each owner. The tax collector’s responsibilities for giving notice end when this action has been taken. Failure to receive a tax notice does not relieve any taxpayer from liability for the prompt payment of taxes imposed by the taxing district. All taxpayers are charged with their taxes as though they had received notice and all necessary enforcement steps are taken to ensure payment. If you have not received your tax bill by the second week of July please call the AGSD tax office at 610-869-2441 to request a duplicate copy. There is a $15.00 duplicate bill fee (even for bills never received).
5. Can the mortgage company get a copy of my bill from the tax office? (back to top)
A: Yes, mortgage companies can pay the duplicate bill fee of $15.00 to receive a copy of your tax bill.
6. What is the current tax millage rate? (back to top)
A:The millage rate (also know as mills) is the rate at which tax revenue is generated from assessments, expressed in terms of 1/1000 th of assessed value.
2007-2008 tax millage rate is 23.82 (.02382 * assessed value).
2008-2009 millage rate will be available in mid-June 2008. Click here for the tax mill rate table.
7. How are millage rates determined?(back to top)
A: Millage rates are approved by elected members of the Board of School Directors after calculating the rate needed to generate tax revenue from the overall tax base needed to fund the budget.
8. What is an assessment? (back to top)
A: An assessment is the taxable value of your property and is based a percentage of the market value. The Chester County Assessment Office determines the assessments for the Avon Grove School District properties an can be contacted at 610-344-6105.
9. Are credit card payments accepted? (back to top)
A: No, not at this time.
10. Is their a payment plan or installment plan? (back to top)
A: An installment payment option is available for the annual tax bill for approved homestead/farmstead properties ONLY. The installment option is not available for interim tax bills. Annual Tax Bill Installments are divided into three equal payments based on the full amount due: 1 st installment due on or before 08/31, 2 nd installment due on or before 09/30, 3 rd installment due on or before 10/31. Click here for complete payment information.
11. What is an interim tax bill? (back to top)
A: Interim real estate tax is a tax on “assessed property” that was not included in the original tax mailing of July 1. Interim real estate tax bills are sent out throughout the school year for new construction/remodeling that increased a property’s assessed value but was not included with the original tax mailing. The tax bill could be the result of an addition to a house/business, a swimming pool, a new house that is finished mid-year, etc. The additional valuation is taxed at the school districts’ tax rate and prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year. Interim taxes will have different discount, face and penalty payment periods than the annual real estate tax bill and are noted on each bill.
12. Do mortgage companies pay interim bills? (back to top)
A: Each case is determined on an individual bases. You will need to contact your mortgage company for this information.
13. How do I make interim bill payments?(back to top)
A: Follow the tax payment instructions on the bill.
14. What happens if I have appealed my taxes? (back to top)
A: Assessment appeals do not halt the timely collection of real estate taxes on the basis of the current value listed on your assessment. If the assessment is reduced on appeal, the excess (refund) will be returned to the taxpayer.
15. Can I get a penalty waived? (back to top)
A: Tax collectors must apply the penalty amount after the 4-month collection period has elapsed. They have no authority to excuse penalties where tax notices have not been received, or when assessments are being appealed by the property owner.
16. What happens if I do not pay my real estate taxes? (back to top)
A: Unpaid taxes are sent to the Chester County Tax Claim Bureau for collection. Please contact the Chester County Tax Claim Bureau for details on the collection process at 610-344-6360.
17. What is a tax lien?(back to top)
A: A tax lien is a legal claim or charge against property for satisfaction of a tax debt. A tax lien provides the school district and other tax authorities a means of preventing the property from being sold or transferred without their consent until after the lien has been satisfied.
18. What is the school district code number for filing my Pennsylvania Income Tax? (back to top)
A: The code number for Avon Grove School District is 15050.
|
