Property Tax Deferral for Seniors From the Berks County Tax Claim Bureau
The Berks County Tax Claim Bureau runs a Tax Deferral Program that offers tax assistance to senior citizens who are having difficulty paying the property taxes they owe. You have to apply for it, and it has to be renewed every year.
To qualify, you must have a delinquent property tax balance, be an owner of the property, and be living in it as your primary residence. All residents of the home must be 60 years or older. Annual household income, including half of Social Security, must be $35,000 or less, and the property must be classified as 'Residential'. A payment of $500 or 10% of the delinquent balance, whichever is less, is required. You must also agree to an interview on the premises with a member of the Area Agency on Aging and provide documentation that supports each of these requirements.
To have your eligibility determined, complete and submit the Tax Deferral application and the Tax Deferral affidavit to the office. Both forms are posted on the Delinquent Taxpayer Assistance page at berkspa.gov. You will be contacted to set up an interview to complete the review process. If the property is subject to a tax sale, the application, affidavit and all supporting documentation must be completed before the sale date.
The Tax Claim Bureau is at the Berks County Services Center, 2nd Floor, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The phone number is 610-478-6625.
The page gives few other details. It does not say how much of the balance can be deferred, for how long, whether interest is added, or whether anything is charged to apply, so ask the Bureau when you call.
The Bureau also offers a separate Hardship Agreement for people whose ability to pay their taxes is affected by health illness or injury. That agreement takes all unpaid taxes in the Bureau's system and requires 10% down as the first payment, with the remaining payments due over 23 equal, monthly payments.
Source: berkspa.gov/departments/tax-claim-bureau/delinquent-tax-p…, read September 18, 2026.
The details
Read the rest
on premises with a member of the Area Agency on Aging and provide documentation to support the above eligibility requirements If property is subject to a tax sale, application, affidavit and all supporting documentation must be completed before sale date
In Berks County Tax Claim Bureau’s words
The Tax Deferral Program offers tax assistance to senior citizens facing difficulty in paying their real estate taxes. The program must be applied for and renewed annually.
Organization
Berks County Tax Claim Bureau
Organization profile in our directory →About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from berkspa.gov/departments/tax-claim-bureau/delinquent-tax-p…. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.