Pittsburgh residents are facing a significant property tax increase as the City Council has approved a hike of 20% for the upcoming year. This decision follows a recent 2% tax increase approved by the Pittsburgh Public Schools for their 2026 budget. Mayor Ed Gainey has 10 days to review the council’s decision, but given the council’s strong majority, the increase is likely to be finalized.
2026 Pittsburgh Property Taxes: What to Expect
The City Council’s new budget raises the property tax rate from 0.806% to 0.967%. Here’s a breakdown of the tax rates affecting residents:
- City Tax: 0.967% li>
- Parks Tax: 0.05%
- Library Tax: 0.025%
- Schools Tax: Increases from 1.025% to 1.0457%
With these changes, many residents are now seeking clarity on their property tax obligations for 2026. To assist in estimating property taxes, El-Balad has developed a simple calculator.
Using the Property Tax Calculator
To calculate your property taxes, follow these steps:
- Visit the Allegheny County Real Estate website.
- Locate your address and scroll to the 2026 Full Base Year Market Value (Projected).
- Copy the “Total Value” as your Assessed Property Value.
If you own and reside in the property, check the box for the Homestead Tax Exemption. Additionally, seniors may qualify for the Senior Tax Relief. Then, simply run the calculation to see your estimated taxes.
Understanding Property Taxes and Millage Rates
In Pittsburgh, property taxes are divided among four entities: the city, Pittsburgh Public Schools, the parks system, and the Carnegie Library. Each entity’s tax is calculated using a millage rate. For instance, the new millage rate for Pittsburgh Public Schools is set at 10.457, translating to a tax of 1.0457% of the assessed property value.
To illustrate, if your home is assessed at $100,000, your property tax for the school district would be $1,045.70. Similar calculations apply to the other taxes using the respective rates.
Exemptions and Discounts for Residents
Pittsburgh offers two primary tax exemptions and an early payment discount to help reduce property taxes:
- Homestead Tax Exemption: Homeowners can exempt $15,000 of their assessed value for city, parks, and library taxes. In the school district, the exemption is $43,750.
- Senior Tax Relief: This program reduces the tax assessment by 40% for eligible low-income seniors.
- Early Bird Discount: A 2% discount is available for property taxes paid by February 10.
With recent tax increases, it’s imperative for Pittsburgh residents to stay informed about their expected property tax liabilities for 2026 and explore available exemptions. This proactive approach helps ensure fair property tax management in an evolving financial landscape.
