Metzgar Reminds Residents of Property Tax Ballot Question

October 25, 2017

HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Bedford/Somerset) reminds voters that they will see a property tax reform referendum on the ballot for the General Election on Tuesday. Nov. 7.

“Numerous residents have reached out to my office with questions about the upcoming vote on the property tax reform measure,” Metzgar said. “I want to take this time to explain exactly what residents will be voting on.”

The state Constitution currently allows local governments – counties, municipalities and school districts – to exclude up to 50 percent of the median assessed home value from a homeowner’s tax bill. However, the referendum on the ballot allows voters to decide if the maximum exclusion could be increased to 100 percent of primary residences.

For example, under the current homestead exclusion, if the average home value in your school district is $100,000, up to half, or $50,000, can be excluded from a tax bill if the district elected to apply the full 50 percent exclusion rate.

The General Assembly would still have to pass a law to implement the change if the resolution amending the Constitution is approved. Additionally, local governments would still be responsible for establishing exclusion amounts for homesteads within each taxing body’s jurisdiction.

Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepMetzgar.com