Local Tax Information
Reassessment Information:
In 2025, Lackawanna County completed its first comprehensive property reassessment in nearly 60 years, updating values from 1968 to current market levels. The reassessment was court-ordered after a 2022 resident lawsuit. To keep the transition revenue-neutral, which is required by law, millage rates dropped dramatically. The county rate fell from 89.98 to 5.79 mills. Reassessment does not by itself raise more revenue for the county or municipalities — it redistributes the tax burden so similar properties are assessed more uniformly.
Managed by Tyler Technologies over a multi-year project, reassessment brought thousands of grossly underassessed or outdated properties to real market value. Tax rates plummeted across municipalities to offset higher property valuations. Roughly a third of property owners saw tax increases, a third saw decreases, and a third stayed relatively stable. The county introduced a quarterly payment option for property tax bills to help residents manage adjustments.
Assessment
The property assessment appeal period is now closed.
The deadline to apply for 2027 consideration was Aug. 1, 2026. Appeals will open again on April 1, 2027.
Administrative Contact:
Lori Twordusky
Phone: 570-963-6728 Ext: 1638
Email: woronkol@lackawannacounty.org
123 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, PA 18503
Assessment Relief:
Homestead/Farmstead Property Tax Relief
The Homestead/Farmstead Program can help Riverside School District homeowners save money on their school property taxes. If you own your home and it is the main home where you live, you may qualify. Once approved, part of your home's assessed value is removed before your school taxes.
Think of it as a discount on your school property taxes. The amount of the discount can change from year to year based on the funding Riverside receives from Pennsylvania's property tax relief program.s are calculated, which means you pay a lower Riverside School District property tax bill.
Who should apply? Riverside taxpayers who own and live in their home as their primary residence and have not already been approved should complete the application. The application must generally be filed with the Lackawanna County Assessment Office by March 1.
Homestead Form: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1745236059/riversidesdcom/bx9cwunxmzwitb3mlvj1/bof-homesteadapplication.pdf
PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Especially important for seniors age 65+, widows/widowers age 50+, and adults with disabilities age 18+ who meet the income requirements. For the current 2025 rebate year, household income can be up to $48,110, with standard rebates of $380–$1,000. The 2026 filing deadline has been extended to December 31, 2026.
LINK: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/ptrr?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Free Help for completing the Rebate Program at:
District Office for Senator Marty Flynn, Scranton
409 North Main Ave.
Jay Commons
Scranton, Pennsylvania, 18504
(570) 207-2881
Free Help for completing the Rebate Program at:
District Office for Representative Jim Haddock, Taylor
802 South Main Street
Taylor, Pennsylvania, 18517