Lackawanna County tax assessor announces upcoming property reassessment details

In a significant move for property owners in Lackawanna County, the county tax assessor, Patrick Tobin, announced a comprehensive reassessment of property values, the first since 1968. This reassessment is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will impact every property owner in the county. On June 20, residents will receive letters detailing their new assessed values, which will include the value of their land and improvements.

Tobin emphasized the importance of not applying the current millage rate to these new assessed values, as the rates will be recalibrated by the three taxing bodies after the tax roll is certified on November 14. This change is crucial for property owners to understand, as it will affect their future tax bills.

The complete reassessed tax roll will be accessible to the public on the county's website, allowing residents to review their new assessments. Additionally, appeal forms will be available online for those who believe their new values do not reflect the true market value of their properties. The deadline for submitting appeals is August 1 at 4 PM, with all applications needing to be sent to the assessment office in Scranton.

For those appealing, hearings will take place from August 4 through October 31 at the Marketplace at Steamtown. The appeals board will have the authority to either decrease, maintain, or even increase the assessed values. To facilitate the process, parking will be validated and free for those attending the hearings.

This reassessment marks a pivotal moment for Lackawanna County, as it aims to ensure property values are accurately reflected and taxes are fairly distributed. Property owners are encouraged to stay informed and take action if they believe their assessments are inaccurate.