Manheim Township School District, Our Mission: nurture and challenge for success, logo is also displayed

News

Lancaster County 2027 Property Reassessment Information

Posted on June 16, 2026

Categories: Lancaster County 2027 Property Reassessment Information

Many Lancaster County property owners are receiving their 2027 reassessment notices. We understand residents may have questions about how the reassessment could affect their property taxes. The following information is intended to provide general guidance.

What is the reassessment?

Lancaster County is conducting a countywide property reassessment for tax year 2027. The purpose of the reassessment is to update property values so they more accurately reflect current market conditions.

The reassessment is intended to ensure fairness in taxation by aligning assessed values with current property values. It is not intended to increase taxes.

Why are assessments changing?

Current property assessments are based on values established during the county’s last reassessment, which took effect in 2018. Since property values have changed significantly over time, Lancaster County is updating assessments to reflect current market values as of January 1, 2026.

What is the Common Level Ratio (CLR)?

The Common Level Ratio (CLR) is a factor used to estimate a property’s current market value based on its existing assessment.

The current CLR is approximately 1.92. Property owners can multiply their current assessed value by 1.92 to estimate the market value associated with their existing assessment.

Will my assessment increase?

Many property owners may see an increase in their assessed value because the reassessment updates property values to current market conditions. However, an increase in assessed value does not automatically mean taxes will increase by the same percentage.

Does a higher assessment mean higher taxes?

Not necessarily.

Property taxes are determined using both a property’s assessed value and the tax rate (millage rate). Following a countywide reassessment, taxing authorities – including Lancaster County, municipalities, and school districts – must adjust their millage rates in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

Because new 2027 millage rates have not yet been established, current tax rates cannot be used to calculate future tax bills. The Manheim Township School District millage rates for 27/28 have not yet been established; it will be approved by the School Board in June 2027.

As a result, some property owners may see taxes increase, some may see little change, and some may see taxes decrease depending on how their property’s value changed relative to other properties throughout the county.

Is the reassessment revenue neutral?

Yes.

Pennsylvania law requires taxing authorities to calculate and adopt revenue-neutral tax rates following a reassessment unless additional tax increases are approved through the required public process.

This means the reassessment itself cannot be used solely as a mechanism to generate additional revenue. The goal is to redistribute the tax burden more equitably based on updated property values.

What if I disagree with my assessment?

Property owners who believe their reassessed value does not accurately reflect the market value of their property have opportunities to review their assessment and appeal through Lancaster County.

Residents are encouraged to carefully review their reassessment notice upon receipt. If you believe the information is inaccurate or the estimated market value does not reflect your property’s value, it is important to familiarize yourself with the county’s review and appeal process and any applicable deadlines.

Information regarding appeal procedures, timelines, and required documentation are provided by Lancaster County (see links below). Property owners should monitor county communications and act promptly to ensure they do not miss important deadlines.

Where can I get more information?

The reassessment process is being conducted by Lancaster County. Questions regarding property values, reassessment notices, or the appeal process should be directed to the county.

Additional resources:

We encourage residents to review the information provided by Lancaster County and contact the reassessment office directly with questions regarding their property’s assessed value.

 

«