Westmoreland extends property tax deadlines

By Rich Cholodofsky

Trib Total Media

Westmoreland County taxpayers will have four additional months to pay county property taxes at a discounted rate.

Commissioners said Tuesday they will vote later this week to extend the discount period for property tax payments until the end of August. The discount period was slated to expire April 30. Taxpayers will have until the end of 2020 to pay property taxes without a penalty.

“We will still get the tax dollars, but just a little bit later,” said Commissioner Doug Chew.

Commissioners said the delay will enable residents, many of whom are dealing with financial issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic, to have additional time to make the payments. Legislation approved last week by state lawmakers and signed by the governor allowed local leaders to extend the tax deadlines.

County officials expect to receive about $80 million in property tax revenue this year. About 39%, or more than $31 million, already has been paid this year.

Deputy Controller Rege Garris said most of the county’s anticipated property tax revenue is paid annually during the two-month discount period. In 2019, the county received more than $52 million of the $77 million it ultimately garnered from property taxes in March and April.

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