Experts say law prevents prepaying Pennsylvania taxes

HARRISBURG, PA. » Pennsylvania taxpayers hoping to avoid higher rates next year by paying taxes before 2017 ends this weekend appear to be out of luck.

Experts say a 1945 state law prevents such prepayment.

Taxpayers in other states are hoping to avoid higher taxes imposed as part of an overhaul signed last week by Republican President Donald Trump.

The new law limits to $10,000 how much people can deduct from their federal taxes for state and local tax payments.

Dauphin County Treasurer Janis Creason tells PennLive.com tax collectors are prevented by law from collecting taxes for a new year before the old one’s settled, and that won’t happen until midJanuary.

She said people normally want to delay paying taxes, not get them in ahead of time.

“It would be great for the county to have an (early) infusion of money,” she told PennLive. “I just don’t see a way to do it, based on what we know.”

LNP is reporting that about 10 people have been calling the Lancaster County treasurer’s office each day to ask about prepayment.

In Lancaster County’s Manheim Township, about 75 people have inquired about the issue.

“People are disappointed. But generally, they’re understanding, once you provide them with the statute,” Donna Robbins, chief operating officer for Manheim Township School District, told LNP.