If you own your primary residence, you are eligible for the Homestead Exemption on your Real Estate Tax. The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value.
With this exemption, the property’s assessed value is reduced by $80,000. Most homeowners will save about $1,119 a year on their Real Estate Tax bill starting in 2023.
Once we accept your application, you never have to reapply for the exemption, even if the amount of the exemption changes. You will receive property tax savings every year, as long as you continue to own and live in the property.
Who
You can get this exemption for a property you own and live in. You are still eligible if you have a mortgage or are delinquent on your taxes.
Abatements
Property owners with a 10-year residential tax abatement are not eligible. You may apply after the abatement expires. If you want to remove your abatement to get the Homestead Exemption, complete the abatement cancellation and removal form. Once an abatement is removed, it cannot be put back on the property.
Conditional exemptions
You may be eligible for a conditional Homestead Exemption if your name is not on the property’s deed. This may be because:
- You inherited the house from a deceased relative.
- A fraudulent mortgage or deed was recorded for your house.
- You entered into a rent-to-own agreement and have paid all or some of the sale price for the house.
This exemption will be granted for up to three years from the date of your application. Refer to the instructions below for more details on the application process, which is slightly different from the standard Homestead Exemption.
How to apply
The final deadline to apply for the Homestead Exemption is December 1 of each year. Early filers should apply by September 13, to see approval reflected on their Real Estate Tax bill for the following year. Applicants approved after September 13 date will receive a second bill with an adjusted amount due.
Online
You can apply by using the Homestead Exemption application on the Philadelphia Tax Center. You don’t need to create a username and password to submit your application online. If a previous owner is listed, call (215) 686-9200 or submit a paper application instead.
By phone
To apply by phone, call the Homestead Hotline at (215) 686-9200.
By mail
To apply by mail, print out and use the Homestead Exemption application. You may send your application to:
City of Philadelphia
Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 52817
Philadelphia, PA 19115
Additional instructions for the conditional Homestead Exemption
If you’re applying for a conditional Homestead Exemption, you must submit:
- A paper application with your name on it. Write “Tangled Title” at the top of the application.
- A completed and signed Homestead Affidavit.
- Two forms of identification or proof of address. These documents must show your name and the address of the property you’re seeking an exemption for. We accept:
- Government-issued ID:
- Photo IDs issued by the U.S. federal government or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Valid U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID
- Government employee photo ID
- Utility bills from within the last six months (PGW, Water, PECO, or cable)
- Voter registration
- Lease or rent-to-own agreement
- Mortgage agreement
- Government-issued ID:
After you apply
If your application is approved, it will be reflected in OPA’s property search.
If you were approved after bills were created, the approval will not be reflected on the bill. The Homestead Exemption will be placed on your account as a credit by the Department of Revenue. You can then request a refund for the amount by filing a refund petition.
If your application is denied, the reason will be listed in the denial letter.
Filing an appeal
If you believe your application was denied incorrectly, you can appeal the decision. To appeal, mail a copy of your denial letter and a written statement asking for an appeal to the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT).
601 Walnut St.
Suite 325 E.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Requests for appeal must be filed with the BRT within 30 days of the date of your denial letter to be considered.
Canceling your exemption
To cancel your exemption, complete the Homestead Change or Removal form online in the Philadelphia Tax Center. You do not need a username and password. A paper form is also available online. Download and submit it to the Department of Revenue as indicated in the form. If you’re canceling your exemption because your property no longer qualifies, notify Revenue within 45 days of the change.
You can also use the Change or Removal Form to change the percentage of your property used for something other than your primary residence. You must notify Revenue of this change as well.