FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     In 2000, Lancastrians paid a variety of local taxes, with real estate taxes near the top of the list. The county, municipalities, and school districts all impose real estate taxes, with the millage limit for those counties and municipalities not under home rule set by state law. Other local taxes that may be imposed include:

     Earned Income — The maximum rate of one percent is usually shared by a resident’s municipality and school district.

     Per Capita — This flat-rate tax, with a maximum of $15, is levied on all adults within some taxing districts. It is sometimes shared by the municipality and the school district.

     Occupation Tax — The occupation tax is based on an assessment by the County Board of Assessments of the value of various occupations, including homemakers, students, and retired persons. The tax can be levied by municipalities and school districts, usually at a millage rate.

     Occupation Privilege Tax — With a maximum rate of $10, this tax is levied upon individuals for the privilege of employment within the taxing district.

     Personal Property Tax — The county commissioners voted in 1996 to discontinue levying the personal property tax, so residents are no longer subject to this tax.

     Real Estate Transfer Tax — A maximum rate of one percent is charged upon the transfer of real property, with the tax normally being shared by the municipality and the school district. The state also imposes a one percent real estate transfer tax.

     Amusement Tax — School districts and municipalities may levy a tax of 5 percent (up to 10 percent for municipalities that adopted the tax before 1998) on places of amusement, athletic events, and the like.

     In addition, special purpose taxes, for such items as shade trees, municipal buildings, libraries, and street lighting, may be levied by individual taxing districts.