As a property owner, it’s easy to forget other important things when you’re juggling life and tax season. But you don’t have to worry about missing important deadlines this month! We’re breaking down everything you need to do by March 31:
- Pay the 2026 Real Estate Tax bill, if you haven’t done so already,
- Apply for the Active Duty Tax Credit to reduce your bill if you are an active member of the military, or
- Submit an Installment Plan application to pay your bill monthly if you are a senior or low-income homeowner.
We’ve simplified our processes so you can do these things easily. Keep reading to discover how!
Real Estate Tax
Most Philadelphia property owners have already paid their 2026 property taxes. If you haven’t paid yet, you have until March 31 to do so to avoid additional charges.
It’s easy to find and pay your bill on the Philadelphia Tax Center. Select “Search for a property” in the “Property” panel and follow the prompts. You can pay with an eCheck for FREE. Paying with a credit or debit card has a convenience fee.
The 2026 bills went out in December. Even if yours hasn’t arrived, you must still pay this tax on time. If you don’t pay by March 31, your account will become past-due and incur additional charges. Paying your bill late can eventually result in a lien on your property and even its sale at a public auction.
You can pay online now or call us at (215) 686-6442 if paying your full bill isn’t an option. Owners who live in their homes may qualify for an Owner-Occupied Payment Agreement (OOPA).
We also have standard payment options for a property you own but don’t live in. Call (215) 686-6442 to learn more about these options.
Tax credit for Reserve on Active Duty
Homeowners who are also military service members can apply for the City’s Active Duty Tax Credit program to reduce their property tax bills. But hurry, the deadline to apply for this credit is also March 31.
If you’re in the National Guard or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces and are called to active duty outside of Pennsylvania, you may qualify for Philadelphia’s property tax discounts.
Qualifying service members should apply online. Find the “Search for a property” link in the “Property” panel on the Philadelphia Tax Center‘s homepage. You must submit supporting documentation. Learn more about this program on our website.
Keep in mind: Unlike other Real Estate Tax programs, this credit won’t be automatically applied to your property tax bill. You must apply every year to keep this discount.
Installment Plan
March 31 is also the last day to apply for the 2026 Installment Plan. Installment Plans are available to all seniors, regardless of income and those who qualify as low income homeowners. Sign up to pay your bills monthly!
You should check the income requirements if you’re not a senior but own your primary home in Philly. Please note that this program is age- and income-based.
You can easily apply through the Philadelphia Tax Center—no username and password required. We’ve made applying online easier; the Installment Plan application is now part of the combined application for Real Estate Tax Assistance.
Recap of everything due on March 31
- Real Estate Tax bills for 2026.
- 2026 Installment Plan applications.
- Applications for the 2026 Active Duty Tax Credit program
The clock is ticking!
