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Michael Barzeski
148 Wonder Street
Johnstown, PA 15905
Phone: 814-255-3104 Option 4

Email: SouthmontTC@outlook.com

Upcoming office/collection hours (2026 school tax discount period):

Saturday, Sept 5: 2-4 pm

Monday, Sept 7: 6-8 pm

Tuesday, Sept 8: 6-8 pm

Saturday, Sept 12: 2-4 pm

Monday, Sept 14: 6-8 pm

Tuesday, Sept 15: 6-8 pm

(Additional hours can be made by appointment)

Need a receipt?

If you are paying in-person during office/collection hours, the taxpayer copy of your bill will be signed and returned to you.

If you are mailing your payment, or you drop payment off at the office outside of the scheduled office/collection hours listed above, you MUST include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

*The only time a stamped receipt is required is for the PA Property Tax Rebate program (more information about this program is in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section below). Please request a receipt when you make payment. You DO NOT need a stamped receipt for your tax return. Your cleared check is proof of payment. If your mortgage company pays your real estate taxes, they should provide you a 1098-Mortgage Interest statement.

Need a copy of your bill?

If you need an additional copy of your bill, there is a $10 duplicate bill fee (made payable to Michael Barzeski). Send your request and duplicate bill fee to the address listed at the top of this page. Please make sure to specify which bill you need a copy of (county/borough real estate tax bills or school real estate tax bill) and for which year. If you require a hard copy, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you would prefer that I email a copy of the bill to you, please include your email address with your request. Your bill will not be sent until the $10 duplicate bill fee is received.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When will I receive my real estate tax bills?

Your county/borough real estate tax bill is issued in early March of each year and covers the period of January 1st to December 31st of the current year. Your school real estate tax bill is issued in mid-July of each year and covers the period of July 1st of the current year to June 30th of the following year.

To whom should tax payments be made?

All checks and money orders must be made payable to “Southmont Borough Tax Collector.”

Can I pay my tax bills in cash?

Cash payments will not be accepted.

Can I pay my tax bills online?

At this time, there is no option to pay your tax bills online. Many banks, however, do offer the option for online bill pay. For example, if you do not have checks, you can arrange for your bank to send a check for your tax payment directly to the tax collector.

Can I make partial or estimated payments?

By PA Tax Code I am not permitted to accept a partial or estimated payment. The school district does allow for installment payments. The first installment must be made by 9/15 or the installment option is forfeited.

My mortgage company pays my tax bills. Why am I receiving the bill?

By PA Tax Code your real estate tax bill must be sent to the property owner. Our records come from the county tax assessment office each billing cycle and do not include mortgage information. The only time a bill is sent directly to a mortgage company is when the mortgage company requests and pays for a duplicate bill.

What is the fee for a tax certification and what does it cover?

The fee for a tax certification is $30 (made payable to “Michael Barzeski.) The certification covers 3 years of real estate taxes and includes, county, borough, and school taxes.

I am a disabled veteran. Am I exempt from property taxes? What about my surviving spouse?

If you are a 100 percent disabled veteran, you or your surviving spouse may qualify for the Real Estate Exemption Program. Click here for more details on qualifications and how to apply for this program.

Are there other ways to reduce my property tax burden?

The Pennsylvania Taxpayer Relief Act of 2006 provides for property tax reduction allocations to be distributed by the Commonwealth to each school district. Property tax reduction will be through a “homestead or farmstead exclusion.” There are no age restrictions on this exclusion. Generally, most owner-occupied homes and farms are eligible for property tax reduction. Only a primary residence is eligible for property tax relief. Click here for more information about this program. You must apply through the Cambria County Assessment Office. If you need assistance with this, please do not hesitate to contact me at the phone number or email address at the top of this page.

The Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is available to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Click here for more information on eligibility and how to apply. If you need assistance with this, please do not hesitate to contact me at the phone number or email address at the top of this page.

I have an unpaid real estate tax bill from a prior calendar year. How do I pay this bill?

Delinquent school, county, and borough taxes must be settled through the Cambria County Tax Claim Office. I cannot accept payments for delinquent bills. December 15th is that last day that I can accept payments for bills issued during the current calendar year.

What about other types of taxes (Per Capita, Earned Income, Local Service, Business Privilege)?

These taxes are administered by Berkheimer Tax. You can contact them through their website at www.hab-inc.com. Alternatively, you can contact their nearest office in Altoona:

Berkheimer Tax

1301 12th St., Suite 302

Altoona, PA 16601

(814) 949-2539

If you have any other questions, please call or email me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Michael Barzeski

Southmont Borough Tax Collector