The BASICS – What, Where, Why, When
When and where can I pay my taxes?
Dates and times are printed on your tax bills. (or see above) Currently, tax payments are collected at the Borough Hall, 76 West Sixth Street, Pennsburg. Other arrangements or appointments can be made at any time by calling the above phone number.
*Please note, if you are paying in cash, please bring exact change if possible.
How can I get a receipt for my paid taxes?
You must include a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope, with both copies of your tax bill, along with your payment. When your payment is processed, a stamped and dated copy of the tax bill will be returned to you in about (2) weeks.
Can I post-date my check?
It is illegal to post-date a check.
Does the Postmark count as an 'on-time' payment?
Yes. Check with the post office as to when and how postmarks are applied to your envelope.
What is an interim bill? (pale yellow and/or green)
Interim bills are issued by the County/Borough and/or School District when there has been a change in the assessment value of your property.  Usually this is in the form of an addition, such as a deck, or finished basement.  The interim bill is to make up the taxes owed on the additional value of the property since the last regularly scheduled bill.  Interim bills are usually issued after a building permit has been closed out.  Sometimes, the interim bill is issued in the form of a credit (for reduced property assessments).  This credit can be used toward your real estate bill for that parcel.  If you receive an interim bill, you should contact your mortgage company or bank before sending the interim tax bill to them for payment.
What is a Per Capita Tax? (bright yellow)
It is a ‘head’ tax, for each member of a household 18 years of age or older. 1/3 of the tax is paid to the Borough, and the other 2/3 of the tax is paid to the School District. It is used toward the Borough’s general funds (i.e. lights, roads, public safety etc).
Can I pay my Per Capita and School Taxes with one check?
Yes. You may pay both bills, and multiple Per Capita taxes with one check, and include them all in the same envelope.
Do I send my tax bills to my mortgage company or bank?
If your mortgage company or bank is collecting your tax payments in an escrow account, you should send them the “Tax Collector” copy of the tax bill.
Typically, your mortgage company or bank does not collect escrow monies for the Per Capita tax. It is recommended that you do not send mortgage companies your Per Capita Bill, as it’s usually impossible to retrieve them back.
If you receive an interim tax bill (usually for renovations, additions, decks, etc) you should contact your mortgage company or bank before sending the interim tax bill to them for payment.
Can I pay in installments?
Currently, State Law does not allow partial payments for Municipal Real Estate Taxes. You can contact your mortgage company to set up an escrow account, or your bank may have some savings plans available.
See information below for the installment plan for the School Real Estate Tax Bills.
Can I pay by credit card?
Currently, most Tax collectors do not accept any type of electronic payments. (paper trails are very important to auditors) You could use the checks offered by your credit card company to pay the taxes, however, interest charges and fees may be applied by your credit card company. Check with your credit card company for exact terms and details. (the fees and interest may outweigh any awards or points offered)

The NEW SCHOOL Real Estate Bills (blue)
Why does my new 2008-2009 School Real Estate Tax bill look different?
If you are eligible (eligibility is determined from the Homestead/Farmstead application), then you have the option of paying via installments or making a full payment.  You enter the installment plan by making your first payment by 8/31.  Upon entering the installment plan, your second and third payment coupons will be mailed to you.
My assessment seems lower this year (or it's different from my County/Borough Assessment.
If you were determined to be eligible under the homestead/farmstead act, then you received a reduction in your assessment of your property.
What important things should I know about making installment payments?
• If you elect to pay in installments, you will not receive the standard 2% discount.
• If you elect to pay in installments and are late making any one of the payments,
   the standard penalty amount (10%) applies immediately.
• Any late payments will make you ineligible for the installment payment program next
   year.
Do I save any money by making installment payments?
No. You are making payments on the face/net amount, not the discount amount.
Can I still just make one discount, or one face/net payment, or one penalty payment?
Yes. You do not have to pay in installments. To take advantage of the 2% discount, pay your tax bill in full by August 31^st. (or by Oct 31^st for face/net)
What if my mortgage/bank/escrow company pays my tax bills?
Good question. Most escrow agreements state that monies collected for taxes must take advantage of any discounts offered by the taxing authority. Therefore, your mortgage company should make one payment at discount (due by August 31^st).
Why am I not eligible?
The reasons vary:
• You may not have filled out the paperwork for the Homestead/Farmstead Eligibility.
   You can still fill this out, but it won’t determine your eligibility until next year. A copy is
   available for download here.
• You may own the property, but do not use it as you primary residence.
Can I still get a receipt for my payments?
Yes, send two copies of the tax bills, or two copies of the proper coupons, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope in order to receive a receipt by mail.

OTHER Important Questions
I’ve moved out of the Borough or School District, do I need to pay the tax bills?
It depends. A responsible Title/Abstract Agency will settle-up Real Estate taxes paid and/or due at the property closing. The amounts are usually split between the new and former owners.
For Per Capita Taxes:
If you have moved but still remain in the Upper Perkiomen School District, you will need to pay the tax. Include your new address when you pay your bill and it will be updated in the future.
If you have moved out of Pennsburg and the Upper Perkiomen School District, you do not have to pay the tax. You must include your new address when you return your bill, or you cannot be removed from the tax rolls.
How do I pay my bill after December 15th of this year?
Only Certified Checks, Cashiers Checks, or Money orders are accepted after December 15th.
How do I pay my taxes after December 31st of the year? What about delinquent taxes?
Tax bills are considered delinquent after December 31st of the year (excluding some interim bills).  Real Estate Bills are liened during the month of January.  You will be contacted by one of the entities listed below to make payment on outstanding taxes and any penalties and interest that may be due.  The tax collector cannot accept payments for liened properties, but can provide information, if needed.
County/Borough Real Estate Taxes - Xspand 1-888-343-2143 or http://www.xspand.com/
School Real Estate Taxes- Portnoff Associates (2006-07 Tax Year) 1-800-561-7989, otherwise see information above for Xspand.
School Real Estate Taxes - Portnoff Associates 1-800-561-7989
Per Capita Taxes - Berkheimer Associates 610-588-0965
Is there a Property Tax Rebate Program available through the State?
Yes, information on eligibility and a link to the application form can be found at:
                                          http://www.revenue.state.pa.us