Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Plains Twp, Pennsylvania
Median Plains Twp, Pennsylvania effective property tax rate: 2.68%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Pennsylvania state median of 2.75%.
Median Plains Twp, Pennsylvania home value: $58,600
Median annual Plains Twp, Pennsylvania tax bill: $1,568, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Luzerne calculated?
Property taxes in Plains Twp, Pennsylvania are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Plains Twp's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Plains Twp, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
2.68%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,570
$1,457
How Does the Plains Twp Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Plains Twp property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Plains Twp's median effective tax rate of 2.68% — based on actual property records in Luzerne County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment office uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Plains Twp's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.
Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Plains Twp: rates range from 2.68% in 18705 to 2.68% in 18705, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Plains Twp.
About Plains Twp Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Plains Twp, Luzerne, Pennsylvania
Plains Twp’s median effective property tax rate of 2.68% is lower than the Pennsylvania state median of 2.75% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Luzerne County base levy combined with local school district levies and special taxing districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across Plains Twp. Homeowners in the 18705 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 2.68%, while those in the same ZIP code pay 2.68%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Luzerne County. Understanding which part of Plains Twp you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Plains Twp homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before the August 1, 2026 deadline each year.
If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.
Property Tax Rates Across Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.
Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.
While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.
Below, you can compare Plains Twp's effective property tax rate to other cities in Pennsylvania and the median property tax rates in Pennsylvania and the U.S.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Plains Twp Tax Rate
2.68%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Luzerne County Tax Rate
2.60%
Median Effective Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.75%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18705 | 2.68% | 2.68% | 2.68% | 2.68% | 2.68% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
When examining property taxes in Plains Twp, Pennsylvania, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Luzerne County assessment office estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Luzerne County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month when notices are sent.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Plains Twp.
For example, the median home price in Plains Twp is $58,600, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 18705 has the highest median home price at $58,600.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$22,100
$124,200
$226,300
Median Plains Twp Market Value
$58,600
Median Luzerne County Market Value
$94,400
Median Pennsylvania Market Value
$118,310
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18705 | $41,430 | $44,675 | $58,600 | $70,550 | $80,540 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Property tax bills in Plains Twp are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The assessed value is based on the property’s taxable value, which can reflect market conditions and local assessment practices. For homeowners in Luzerne County, this means the tax bill is tied directly to how the property is valued and the rate set by local taxing authorities.
With a median home price of $58,600, property taxes can still represent a meaningful expense even when home values are relatively modest. The median property tax bill is $1,568, which is below the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and below the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Bills can vary widely, with the 25th percentile at $1,196 and the 75th percentile at $1,888.
For homeowners, this affects annual housing costs and can influence affordability, especially when assessed values rise or local rates change.
Median Plains Twp Tax Bill
$1,568
Median Luzerne County Tax Bill
$2,802
Median Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,050
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Plains Twp, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18705 | $1,109 | $1,196 | $1,568 | $1,888 | $2,155 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | August 1 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Luzerne Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.timesleader.com |