Did You Buy a Home This Year? Do Not Miss the Allegheny County Homestead Exemption
Buying a home comes with a long list of tasks and paperwork. One item that is easy to overlook but can save you money every year is the Allegheny County Homestead Exemption.
If you purchased a home this year and it is your primary residence, this is something you want to take care of sooner rather than later.
What Is the Allegheny County Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption is a property tax benefit available to homeowners who live in their home as their primary residence. It reduces the taxable value of your property for county and municipal taxes.
That lower taxable value can translate into meaningful savings on your annual property tax bill.
Is the Homestead Exemption Automatic?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Even if you qualify, the Homestead Exemption is not applied automatically when you purchase a home. You must submit an application to Allegheny County.
Missing this step means you could be paying more in property taxes than necessary.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for the Homestead Exemption if all of the following apply:
You own the property
The property is located in Allegheny County
The home is your primary residence
You live in the home full time
If you recently bought a home and moved in, this is worth checking even if you are unsure.
How Much Can It Save You?
The exact savings vary based on the current exemption amount and your local tax rates, but the exemption reduces the assessed value used to calculate your taxes.
That reduction applies year after year as long as you continue to qualify.
How and When to Apply
Allegheny County provides an online application that only takes a few minutes to complete.
You can find the application and full details here
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Property-Assessments-and-Real-Estate/Tax-Abatements-and-Exemptions/HomesteadFarmstead-Exclusion-Act-50
There are deadlines to be aware of, so it is best not to wait.
A Simple Question for New Homeowners
Did you buy a home this year and have you already applied for the Homestead Exemption?
If the answer is no or you are not sure, this is a small step that can make a real difference over time.
Need Help?
If you recently purchased a home or are planning to buy and want to understand how property taxes and exemptions work in Allegheny County, I am always happy to help.
You can send me a message to get in touch.
Helping homeowners protect their investment does not stop at the closing table.
