“I heard Bensalem has no property taxes because of the Casino. Is that true?”
We hear this from new residents all the time. The short answer is: No. You definitely still pay taxes.
However, Bensalem does have a unique structure that makes it different from neighboring towns like Middletown or Bristol. Thanks to the “gaming grant” from Parx Casino, homeowners here get a perk that no one else in Bucks County gets: The Annual Rebate Check.
Here is the plain-English breakdown of where your money goes.
1. The Three Tax Bills You Will Receive
Like most Pennsylvanians, you will get three separate bills.
A. The School District Tax (The Big One)
- When: Mailed July 1st.
- Who gets it: Bensalem Township School District.
- The Cost: This is the largest portion of your tax burden. It funds the 9 schools, 6,000+ students, and staff.
- Note: If you have a mortgage, this is usually paid automatically from your escrow account.
B. The Township Tax (The Small One)
- When: Mailed March 1st.
- Who gets it: Bensalem Township Government (Police, Public Works, Parks).
- The Perk: For decades, the Township has managed to keep this rate incredibly flat. This is the portion of the tax bill that the “Casino Grant” helps offset (more on that below).
C. The Bucks County Tax
- When: Mailed March 1st (usually on the same paper as the Township bill).
- Who gets it: Bucks County Government (Courts, Bridges, Social Services).
2. The “Casino Check” (Homeowner’s Assistance Grant)
This is the “Bensalem Bonus.” Because Parx Casino is located here, the Township receives a portion of the gaming revenue. Instead of just spending it all, the Mayor and Council return a portion directly to homeowners.
- What it is: A check for $300 sent directly to you.
- Who qualifies: You must be the owner of record of a single-family home, condo, or townhouse in Bensalem.
- How to get it:
- You usually do not need to apply if you have lived here for more than a year; it is automatic.
- New Residents: If you just bought your house, you may need to register with the Finance Department to ensure you are on the list for the next cycle.
- When it arrives: typically in the Fall (October/November).
3. The “Hidden” Tax: The 1% EIT
This is the one that catches new residents by surprise.
Bensalem has a 1% Earned Income Tax (EIT).
- What it is: A 1% tax on your gross wages/salary.
- How it is paid:
- If you work in PA: Your employer should deduct this automatically from your paycheck. Check your pay stub for “Local Tax” or “EIT.”
- If you work in NJ or Philly: This gets complicated. You are still responsible for this tax, but your employer might not withhold it. You may need to pay it quarterly directly to the collector.
- Who collects it: Keystone Collections Group. If you don’t receive a tax form from them, do not ignore it. Go to their website and register, or you will get hit with penalties later.
4. Senior Citizen Discounts
If you are over 65, Bensalem is one of the most tax-friendly places to retire.
- School District Rebate: The School District offers an additional rebate (up to $1,050, depending on income) for seniors.
- Township Senior Rebate: Seniors often qualify for an extra $150 on top of the standard $300 casino grant.
Editor’s Note on Accuracy:
Tax rates change annually. While this guide explains the structure, always check the official Bensalem Township Finance Department page for the current millage rates and deadlines.
There you have it. The “myth” is false—you do pay taxes. But the reality—a $300 check in the mail every fall—is pretty sweet, too.
