Local Tax Collector Shares FAQs

“After working as a tax collector for five years, this information most tax payers didn’t know.”

Mary Ann Portugallo, is a tax collector working at 525 Lawrence Ave., in Ellwood City, shares her frequently asked questions to help assist the needs of her customers:

• When paying tax bill, bring entire bill. I will give you what you need and I will keep what I need.
• Everyone living in Ellwood City pays three taxes: Municipal (local), school and per capita.
• If paying school and local at one time, two checks are needed for each since they are separate accounts. School and per capita are the same account.
• Per capita must be paid by everyone living in Ellwood City 18 or older, not in college or school.
• Borough gets their fee from electric bill and school sends out bill.
• If sending bill and request a receipt, send self addressed stamped envelope (if sent without stamp it will be returned until postage is paid).
• When sealing envelope with staples or scotch tape ensure it can be opened with letter opener.
• After 12/15 no business or personal checks are accepted. Reason being that if a check bounces there is not enough time to collect unpaid dues.
• Businesses and banks pay $5 for duplicate bills payable to tax collector.
• Tax certs for businesses and banks are $20 for 3 years, payable to tax collector.