By
Why are property tax bills so high? There are two main reasons. One is that cost for equipment, fuel, insurance, labor, management, utilities, etc. have increased significantly. Another reason is that there are fewer taxable properties. For example, over 50% of the properties in one area borough are currently tax-exempt.
There are property owners, encouraged by some tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, such as churches, hospitals, and universities, who signed their property rights over to a tax-exempt organization with the right to use the property, tax free, until they move elsewhere or die.
So, how could property tax bills be lower? There are two solutions. One way is to eliminate the property tax exemption currently enjoyed by nonprofit organizations. This would increase the number of taxable properties.
A second way would be to legalize a graduated income tax for all levels of government and public schools. Taxes would then be based on a taxpayers ability to pay. However, it looks as though property tax bills will remain higher than necessary for the foreseeable future. Why? Ask your Republican State Representative or State Senator.
David L. Faust, Selinsgrove, Pa.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
