Taxpayer Information
In July of each year, the Phoenixville Area School District tax office prepares the real estate tax bills for the taxpayers. The District contracts with Wachovia Bank for the collection of theses taxes via a lockbox system. The tax office tracks payments throughout the year and provides a list of liens for all unpaid taxes to the Tax Claim Bureau in January.
Information regarding Real Estate Taxes:
¬ Current Real Estate Tax
¬ 2008 Due Dates
¬ Tax Payment Instructions
¬ Interim Real Estate Tax
¬ Delinquent Real Estate Tax
¬ Tax Certification Requests
2008 REAL ESTATE TAX INFORMATION
Current Real Estate Tax
Real Estate Tax is the main source of revenue for funding the operation of the Phoenixville Area School District. It is based on the assessed valuation, as determined by the Chester County Board of Assessments, of all taxable property within the School District.
The millage rate for Phoenixville Area School District residents is 25.89.
The millage rate is the rate which the Board of School Directors sets for the taxation of the assessment on a property. Your current school district real estate tax can be calculated by taking the millage rate and multiplying it by your property assessment.
Example: .02589 X 150,000 = $3,883.50
(millage) (assessment) (Face Value Taxes)
Real Estate Taxes Due Dates:
In order to receive the discounted 2% from the face value of your tax bill, payments must be received from July 1 through August 31.
In order to receive the face value amount of your tax bill, payments must be received from September 1 through October 31.
A 10% penalty on the face amount is due on your tax bill for payments after October 31.
Payments not received by December 31 will be considered delinquent and will be placed on a lien status with Chester County.
Installment Payment Information:
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Eligible taxpayers may elect to pay their school real estate taxes in three equal installments.
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Installment payments are due July 31, August 31 and September 30, 2008. If you choose to participate in the installment program, you cannot take advantage of the 2% discount with payment due by August 31, 2008. Late payment of installments will result in a penalty.
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Payment of the first full installment must be received by July 31, 2008 to confirm your intention to pay your school district tax bill in installments.
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If installment plan reflects N/A, you do not qualify for the installment program.
Real Estate Tax Payment Instructions
¬ Lien Date (12/31/2008) Payment may be made until the date shown, after which any unpaid account will be turned over to the Tax Claim Bureau in West Chester, PA.
¬ If the property has been sold, please note the name of the new owner and return the bill to:
Phoenixville Area School District
1120 S. Gay Street
P.O. Box 809
Phoenixville, PA 19460
¬ Forward payment copy to bank or mortgage company if funds are held in escrow.
¬ Failure to receive bill does not entitle owner to discount or remission of penalty of taxes.
¬ There is a $35.00 charge for returned checks.
¬ 1% of this School Real Estate Tax bill directly funds the Phoenixville Public Library.
¬ The district requires an original tax bill at the time of payment. Duplicate bills can be obtained from the tax office; there is a $15.00 fee for a duplicate bill.
If paying by mail:
¬ Make check payable and mail to:
Phoenixville Area School District
P.O. Box 13562
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3562
¬ Payment copy must be returned with payment.
¬ If you would like a receipt, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with check and both copies of the bill.
¬ Date of postmark determines amount accepted.
¬ Postdated checks are not accepted.
¬ If payment is made by check, stamped receipt is not valid until check has cleared.
If paying in person:
¬ Make check payable to:
Phoenixville Area School District
¬ Payment may be made at the Phoenixville Branch of Wachovia Bank on Main Street or French Creek during normal business hours.
¬ Bring entire bill with you when making payment.
Interim Real Estate Tax
Interim taxes are levied under ACT 544 of 1952 (Section 677.1) on the increase in assessed valuations of local property as a result of construction or improvements to that property. The time period for payment of your interim bill will vary from your current real estate tax bill depending upon when the change is processed by the County.
Delinquent Real Estate Tax
When payments are not received by the December 31st deadline, they are considered delinquent and placed on lien status with the Tax Claim Bureau in West Chester, PA. Once a property has been sent to lien, all payments are made directly to the Bureau and the school district is no longer involved in the payment process.
Tax Certification Requests
Tax Certifications must be requested by mail to:
Phoenixville Area School District
1120 S. Gay Street
P.O. Box 809
Phoenixville, PA 19460
The fee for a Tax Certification is $15.00 per parcel and must be paid at the time of the request.
If you are interested in receiving your Tax Certification via facsimile, the fee is $45.00.