How do I update or close my tax account? Is this something I can do online? What if I can’t remember my login info? We get great questions like these every day from taxpayers.
It happens… There may come a time when a business owner or freelancer working in Philadelphia needs to update or close their City tax account. Maybe you moved, changed your business name, stopped operating, added partners, or have no activity in Philadelphia. Regardless, it’s important to keep your account information up to date with the Department of Revenue. Read on for answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about managing your Philly tax account!
Why would I need to update my tax account?
You should update your account if:
- You changed your business name, address, email address, or phone number.
- You stopped doing business or no longer need to pay Philadelphia taxes.
- Your business ownership has changed.
Also, if your business structure changes, like going from an LLC to a corporation or partnership, you should update your account.
Always ensure your account is up to date so you don’t miss anything.
What’s the best way to update my account?
Online – the Philadelphia Tax Center makes it easy, but you must log in first:
- Log in to your profile at tax-services.phila.gov.
- Choose “More options”. It’s easy to update most things in the “More options” panel.
- Select “Update account” in the “Account management” panel and follow the prompts.
What if I forget my login info?
Here’s how to reset your username or password if you forgot them:
- Select the “Forgot username or password?” link from the Tax Center’s landing page.
- On the “Reset Your Password” screen, enter your “Username” and follow the prompts.
If your account has been compromised, here’s how to reset your password:
- Log in to your Tax Center profile and select “My profile” on the right.
- Go to the “Security” tab. It’ll take you to the “Manage My Sign In” page.
- Choose “Change password” from the menu and follow the prompts.
When resetting your username, the system asks for your email address to start the account recovery process. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. Call (215) 686-6600 if you still can’t access your account.
How do I close my tax account?
You can do it on the Philadelphia Tax Center:
- Go to tax-services.phila.gov and log in.
- Select the “More options” tab.
- Select “Close account” in the “Account management” panel.
- Choose the account you want to close. Account types include Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT), Net Profits Tax (NPT), and Amusement Tax, among other taxes.
- Confirm and enter the date your business ended in the city and select “Submit”.
What happens if I don’t close my account?
Until you officially close your account, you’ll need to file tax returns for certain types, such as BIRT, NPT, or Wage Tax, depending on your business activity. The Department of Revenue won’t know your business isn’t operating in the city.
Did you know? Simply stopping your business activity does not automatically close your tax account. It’s best to close your account officially to avoid non-filer notices.
Before I close the account, do I still have to file taxes?
Yes. You may need to do these things before closing your account:
- File any outstanding tax returns
- Pay any remaining balances
- If applicable, submit final returns – if you don’t file returns for the last year, you did business in the city, you’ll get a non-filer notice.
Is it possible to close my account by phone or mail?
Yes, but we recommend doing it online, which is easiest and quickest. Nevertheless, our customer service reps are happy to help. Call (215) 686-6600 for all the help you need!
If you’d rather mail your updates, fill out the Change Form and send it to:
Philadelphia Department of Revenue
PO Box 1410
Philadelphia, PA 19105-1410
You can also update or close your account in person at any of our three municipal services centers or by completing and emailing the Change Form to revenue@phila.gov.
Depending on the update, you may need to submit supporting documents, especially if you’re changing ownership or legal structure.
Don’t wait – you’ll avoid future issues if you notify the City when your business information changes. File any required final returns promptly and close your account if you no longer do business in the city.