The upgraded Philadelphia Tax Center streamlines Real Estate Tax payments and provides online applications for Real Estate Tax assistance
PHILADELPHIA – The City’s Department of Revenue announced today the completion of the Philadelphia Tax Center‘s final phase. With this upgrade, all Philadelphia taxes are now available on the Tax Center, as well as the collection of several fees and assistance program applications, including the Homestead Exemption, the Senior Citizen Tax Freeze, and Long-time Owner-Occupant Program.
The Homestead Exemption reduces a taxpayer’s Real Estate Bill by about $1,119, and in some cases can reduce the bill to $0. Applicants do not need a user name or password to apply for assistance programs on the Tax Center. The site is also mobile friendly and accessible across multiple devices.
“With the recent increase to the Homestead Exemption, it is more important than ever to enroll homeowners into this program,” said Revenue Commissioner Frank Breslin. “Philadelphia’s assistance programs provide a vital safety net to residents who may be struggling to pay their Real Estate Tax.”
“We estimate that about 20 percent of eligible Philadelphia homeowners are not taking advantage of programs that could help lower their Real Estate Tax bill,” said Deputy Revenue Commissioner Rebecca Lopez Kriss. “People may not realize that all homeowners are eligible for the Homestead Exemption regardless of age or income.”
Although the Homestead Exemption application is available on the Tax Center, homeowners can also apply over the phone at (215) 686-9200 or by mail. The paper version of the Homestead Exemption application is available in eight languages at phila.gov/homestead, but homeowners should act quickly. Applications for the Homestead Exemption must be postmarked by Thursday, December 1, 2022.
About the Philadelphia Tax Center:
Phase 1 of the Philadelphia Tax Center launched on November 1, 2021, and is the public-facing website to the Revenue Department’s new tax system. The cloud-based system replaces a 35-year-old database and equips local government with the technology it needs to collect essential revenue more efficiently.
The new system delivers self-service options, a mobile-enabled interface, and enhanced security of personal information. The taxes, fees, and services newly available on the website include: Real Estate Tax, Use & Occupancy Tax, License and Inspection fees, Police fees, Commercial Trash (Refuse) fees, and the City’s Tax Clearance system, among others. Find full details about changes residents and businesses can expect on the Philadelphia Tax Center at the City’s Tax Center Guide.
Taxpayers do not need a username and password to make online payments, apply for payment agreements or assistance programs. Homeowners can also find online applications for the Long-time Owner Occupants Program and Senior Citizen Tax Freeze on the Tax Center. In June, 2022 the City extended the deadlines for both Senior Freeze and LOOP to September 30, 2023, to provide as much time as possible for homeowners to seek relief.