Governor's Center for Local Government Services

Tax Collector Resources

Training and Basic Qualification Exam

Act 48-2015 requires all qualified tax collectors to pass a Basic Qualification Exam. DCED provides the Act 48 Tax Collector Basic Training and Qualification Exam at the following location:

Basic Qualifying Exam Info

Continuing Education Requirements

Act 48-2015 requires all qualified tax collectors to obtain two hours of mandatory continuing education during their four-year term of office. The topics for continuing education may include enumerated items such as procedures for collecting taxes, auditing, accounting, ethics, etc.

Renewal of qualification shall be completed prior to the tax collector’s final year in office. If the tax collector fails to complete the continuing education requirements, the tax collector shall be deemed ineligible to be placed on the ballot at the end of the tax collector’s current term of office. Continuing Education Courses are offered here:

Continuing Education Courses

Events | Pennsylvania State Tax Collectors' Association

Tax Collector’s Manual

The Tax Collector’s Manual was assembled with appropriate resources, in consultation with tax experts and DCED’s legal staff. Please note that DCED’s legal counsel has consistently stated that DCED should not be providing legal advice or similar guidance. Specifically noting that our publications (including the Tax Collector’s Manual) have the following disclaimer:

No liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained in this publication. Laws may be amended or court rulings issued that could affect a particular procedure issue or interpretation. The Department of Community and Economic Development assumes no responsibility for errors and omissions nor any liability for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. Please contact your local solicitor for legal advice.

Preparation of this publication was financed from appropriations of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Tax Collectors Manual - PA Department of Community & Economic Development

Local Tax Collection Law

This is the law relating to the collection of real estate taxes.

Hint: To search for a particular word within the Law, press the “Ctrl” and “F” keys, and a search box will appear. Type the word you wish to find, and the system will take you to the first instance of that word. If it does not answer your question, go onto the next instance of that word.

Local Tax Collection Law

Pennsylvania State Tax Collector’s Association

Consider joining the Pennsylvania State Tax Collector’s Association.

Their mission statement:

To unite in a common group, all collectors of real estate, and all other taxes.
To provide a means for dissemination of information and education on assessment and tax collecting practices.
To engage in publishing constructive reports; to cooperate with others interested in assessments and taxation.

PSTCA.org

The PSTCA provides a comprehensive checklist for new tax collectors here:

New Tax Collector Checklist

Other Pennsylvania Tax Collectors

You may wish to consult with other tax collectors. DCED provides a list of all real estate tax collectors (including contact information) at the following location:

Local Government Official Information

Select a county, and then a specific municipality within that county. Then click “Display Report.” The Tax Collector is position 20 in the results.

Appointment of Deputy Tax Collector Form

Appointment of a Deputy Tax Collector Form (DCED-CLGS-05B) Act 48-2015 (pa.gov)

Tax Collector's Monthly Reporting Form with Formulas and Instructions

PA Tax Form With Formulas with Instructions - PA Department of Community & Economic Development

List of Qualified Tax Collectors

Act 48-2015 requires DCED provide once each year a list of all qualified tax collectors on the department's publicly accessible internet website.

If you are a Qualified Tax Collector and do not see your name listed, please contact DCED.

Act 48 | Qualified Tax Collectors | DCED.PA.gov