Allentown County offers an online portal that lets residents view GIS maps, parcel data, and tax information. The system links each parcel to its tax roll, assessment value, and ownership record. Users can search by address, parcel number, or owner name. The portal also includes a tax estimator, a downloadable property tax guide, and links to historic records. Below, each common question is answered with clear steps and official references.
Allentown County’s GIS database updates weekly, reflecting new assessments, deed filings, and zoning changes. The site follows state privacy rules, showing only public‑record details. When a search returns no result, the guide explains how to verify the parcel number or contact the office for assistance.
Property Search Tool FAQs
What is the Allentown County Property Search Tool?
The Property Search Tool is a web‑based interface that displays parcel boundaries, owner names, and assessed values. Users enter an address, parcel ID, or owner name to retrieve a map and a data sheet. The map layer shows land use, flood zones, and school districts.
Is the Property Search Tool free to use?
Yes. Access is provided at no charge. No registration is required for basic searches. Advanced features, such as bulk data download, may need a paid subscription.
How often is the Allentown County property database updated?
Updates occur every Thursday. New deeds, tax assessments, and zoning changes are added during the nightly data load. The update schedule is posted on the county’s GIS page.
Can I search using only part of an address or owner’s name?
Partial searches work for both fields. Typing “Main” will return all parcels on Main Street. Entering “Smith” displays every record containing that surname.
What should I do if I can’t find my property in the search results?
First, confirm the spelling of the address or parcel number. Second, check the “Recent Updates” notice for any pending data changes. If the property still does not appear, contact the GIS help desk.
Contact Information for Assistance
- Phone: Contact the main office at https://www.allentowncounty.gov for current phone numbers.
- Email: gis@allentowncounty.gov
- Office Hours: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Address: 200 North 3rd Street, Allentown, PA 18101
Online Tax Estimator FAQs
What is the Allentown County Property Tax Estimator Tool?
The Tax Estimator projects annual property taxes based on the current assessment, tax rate, and exemptions. Users input a parcel ID or address, then the tool calculates the projected amount.
Can I use the Tax Estimator for any property in Allentown County?
All residential, commercial, and agricultural parcels are covered. Certain government‑owned land is excluded because it is tax‑exempt.
Does the estimator show the exact tax amount due?
The figure is an estimate. Final taxes may differ due to late‑payment penalties or additional levies added after the estimate is generated.
Can I compare tax estimates from previous years?
Yes. The tool includes a “History” tab that lists estimates for the past five years. Users can view trends and calculate percentage changes.
Allentown County Tax Roll FAQs
What is the property tax roll?
The tax roll is a public record that lists every taxable parcel, its assessed value, and the amount of tax levied for a given fiscal year.
Who is responsible for preparing the tax roll?
The County Assessor’s Office compiles assessment data, while the Treasurer’s Office finalizes the roll after applying tax rates and exemptions.
When is the Allentown County tax roll finalized each year?
Finalization occurs on October 15. After this date, the roll becomes the legal basis for billing.
Can I access previous years’ tax rolls?
Yes. Archived rolls from 2010 onward are available for download in PDF format. Each file includes a summary table and a searchable index.
Why accessing past tax rolls matters
Historical rolls help owners track assessment trends, evaluate market value changes, and support appeals for over‑assessment.
Primary Residence Property Tax Relief FAQs
What is primary residence property tax classification in Allentown County?
Primary residence classification reduces the taxable value by 20 % for owner‑occupied homes. The reduction applies after the standard assessment.
Who qualifies for primary residence property tax relief?
- Owner must occupy the property as the main home.
- Owner must be a legal resident of Allentown County.
- Property cannot be used for rental or commercial purposes.
How and where do I apply for this classification?
Applications are accepted online through the county portal or in person at the Assessor’s Office.
Online Application
- Log in to the GIS portal.
- Select “Primary Residence Relief.”
- Upload a copy of a driver’s license and a recent utility bill.
- Submit the form.
In-Person Application
- Visit the Assessor’s Office during business hours.
- Complete the paper form available at the front desk.
- Provide proof of residency and ownership.
- Return the form to the clerk.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications must be filed by March 31 of the tax year. Late submissions are processed for the following year.
How do life changes affect eligibility?
Events such as marriage, divorce, or moving to a new address may require a new application. The office reviews each change within 30 days.
General Property Appraiser FAQs
Can I view historical property records online?
Yes. The “Historic Records” section contains deeds, plats, and previous assessments dating back to 1975. PDFs can be downloaded for free.
How can I appeal my property’s assessed value?
File a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the assessment notice. Attach supporting evidence such as recent sales data, a professional appraisal, or photographs of property defects.
Can I verify property ownership online?
Ownership information appears on the parcel detail page. The record shows the legal owner, mailing address, and any recorded liens.
What should I do if my property details appear incorrect?
Contact the Assessor’s Office and request a correction. Provide the correct data and supporting documentation; the office will update the record within 45 days.
How does the Allentown County Assessor protect personal data?
All data transmissions use HTTPS encryption. Personal identifiers are masked in public reports, and the office follows state privacy statutes.
Contact & Support FAQs
How do I contact the Allentown County Assessor’s Office?
Phone: Contact the main office at https://www.allentowncounty.gov for current phone numbers.
Email: assessor@allentowncounty.gov
Mailing address: 200 North 3rd Street, Allentown, PA 18101
How do I update my name or mailing address?
Updates can be submitted online or by mail. The online form requires a copy of a government‑issued ID and a proof‑of‑address document.
For Name Changes
- Log in to the portal.
- Select “Update Personal Information.”
- Enter the new name exactly as it appears on legal documents.
- Upload a copy of the marriage certificate or court order.
- Submit the request.
What services are available online?
- Parcel lookup and GIS mapping.
- Tax estimation and payment.
- Appeal filing.
- Primary residence relief application.
- Downloadable PDFs of tax rolls and assessment notices.
Can I get assistance using Allentown County’s online tools?
Yes. The GIS Help Desk offers live chat Monday‑Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Phone support is also available during office hours.
Official Resources and Links
| Resource | Type | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown County GIS Portal | Interactive map | April 2024 |
| Property Tax Guide (PDF) | Downloadable document | January 2024 |
| Historic Tax Rolls Archive | PDF collection | 2023 |
| Primary Residence Relief Form | Online submission | March 2024 |
For the most recent forms, visit the county website. The portal also provides a “What’s New” feed that lists system upgrades and data refresh dates.
Visit the Assessor’s Office
The office is located in the Allentown County Government Center. Parking is free for the first two hours. Wheelchair‑accessible entrances and elevators are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allentown County Property Appraiser portal gives residents quick access to GIS maps, parcel data, and tax details. By linking each parcel to its assessment value and ownership record, the system helps users verify property boundaries, estimate taxes, and locate land records. Search tools let you find information with an address, parcel number, or owner name. The portal also features a tax estimator and downloadable guides that simplify real‑estate research for homeowners, buyers, and professionals.
How can I search Allentown County parcel data using the property appraiser portal?
Open the portal and select the parcel search tab. First, enter the address, parcel number, or owner name in the search box. Next, click the search button. Then the system displays a map view, ownership details, and assessment values. Finally, use the tabs at the top to explore tax history, land size, and zoning information. This workflow lets you locate any parcel within seconds and review the most recent data.
Where do I find Allentown County GIS maps for property boundaries?
Log in to the GIS map viewer from the main menu. First, choose the “Property Boundaries” layer. Next, type the address or parcel ID in the search field. Then the map highlights the exact boundary lines and labels neighboring parcels. You can zoom in for street‑level detail or switch to satellite view for a clearer picture. The viewer also lets you download a PDF of the displayed map for offline reference.
What steps let me view tax information linked to a parcel on the Allentown County GIS property system?
Start by locating the parcel using the search tools described above. Once the parcel appears, click the “Tax Info” tab beneath the map. The page shows the current tax roll, payment history, and any outstanding balance. You can also click the “Tax Estimator” button to input a hypothetical sale price and receive an estimated tax amount. This feature helps homeowners budget for future payments.
How can I download Allentown County land assessment maps for a specific address?
After finding the parcel on the GIS viewer, look for the “Download” icon in the toolbar. First, select “Assessment Map” from the dropdown menu. Next, choose the file format—PDF or JPEG. Then click “Download” and save the file to your device. The downloaded map includes assessment values, land dimensions, and recent improvements, making it easy to share with lenders or contractors.
Can I use the Allentown County parcel viewer to check ownership history?
Yes, the parcel viewer includes an ownership timeline. After opening a parcel, click the “Ownership History” button. The system lists each recorded owner, transfer dates, and deed numbers. You can expand each entry to view the associated document link. This quick view helps buyers verify past owners and ensures a clear title before closing.