Tax Claim Bureau

Mission

The mission of the Tax Claim Bureau is to collect and distribute delinquent real estate taxes for the county, municipalities & school districts in the most effective manner.

Our Goal

The Bureau is continuously improving their efforts to provide more effective services to the taxpayers and to the taxing districts. Our ultimate goal is to collect Real Estate taxes and turn the monies collected over to the respective taxing authority. Our tax sales are growing in popularity, but the Bureau would prefer to collect the taxes instead of selling it for non-payment of the taxes. By cooperating with taxpayers and offering various payment options, additional tax monies can be collected in a more timely manner and fewer properties will be exposed/sold at tax sale, resulting in decreased work load for the Bureau, and simplified bookkeeping and timely disbursements for taxing districts.

About Department / Agency Responsibility

The Tax Claim Bureau is responsible for collecting delinquent Real Estate taxes. To do this, and to remain compliant with the PA Real Estate Tax Law, we send notices to those taxpayers who have not paid their taxes, set up payment plans for qualified individuals, accept and apply payments, and disburse monies collected to the respective taxing district on a monthly basis. We collect delinquent Real Estate taxes for 73 Berks County municipalities and 15 Berks County School Districts.

Announcements

No Refunds Under $10.00

No refunds will be issued for overpayments for any amount under $10.00.

The Tax Claim Bureau is now accepting appointments

Please visit our appointment scheduler for an in person or virtual visit.

We No Longer Accept Cash as Payment

Acceptable forms of payment are: Check & Money Order

Learn More

Payment Center Drop Boxes

Drop boxes are available at: the Service Center Lobby using the entrance off of Reed St, the Court House Foyer using the entrance off of Court St, and Immediately outside our office, in the hallway.

NSF/Returned Checks

Pursuant to Resolution 324.2025 passed by the County Commissioners: All checks returned for insufficient funds will be assessed a $50.00 service charge.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

December 24th, 2025 - 8:00am - 11:30am

December 25th, 2025 - CLOSED

December 31st, 2025 - 8:00am - 11:30am

January 1st, 2026 - CLOSED

WISHING YOU A JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

Highlighted Information

Tax Claim Timeline & Fee Schedule

The Berks County Tax Claim Bureau follows the following timeline and fee schedule. This information is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time. if you have a specific question or concern, please contact the office at 610-478-6625 or contact us. Below is the timeline and fee schedule as of November 2022.

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