Some Townships Receive “Bonus” PILT Payment for Game Commission Lands 

Townships that host state game lands may find that they received a deposit from the Commonwealth on October 1 that they are struggling to identify. It is likely from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  

Act 34 of 2023 increased Payment-in-Lieu of Tax deposits from $1.20 per acre to $2.40 per acre for lands owned by the Commission. The act was passed after the 2023 PILT payments were sent in September 2023 at the $1.20 per acre rate and no additional payments were made in 2023.  

In June 2024, the Commission received guidance that an additional payment for 2023 needed to be sent to host municipalities, counties, and school districts. This payment was sent on or around October 1, 2024 and should equal $1.20/acre for Commission-owned lands. A payment of $3/acre for Commission-owned lands was deposited on or around September 1, 2024, as the PILT rate was increased again with the passage of the 2024-25 budget this past summer. 

Any questions about a township’s PILT payments for Game Commission land should be directed to Ken Duren at 717-727-4513 or kduren@pa.gov.