PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Department of Revenue’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair and accurate administration of Real Estate Tax assistance programs have resulted in $33.5 million in additional revenue for the School District of Philadelphia and the City.
While the City uses broad outreach initiatives to reach as many homeowners as possible and enroll them in assistance programs, it also takes steps to ensure homeowners are only receiving the benefits they are entitled to.
Beginning in mid-2024, the Department began developing a series of data-driven compliance reviews to identify properties that may no longer meet eligibility requirements for the Homestead Exemption and other programs. In February 2025, the Department implemented the compliance review process, analyzing multiple data sources and eligibility indicators.
Early results show that compliance review is improving program accuracy and strengthening taxpayer equity. Maintaining accurate enrollment also helps boost public confidence in these programs and the city’s capacity to responsibly administer taxpayer funds.
Revenue reviewed 22,041 Real Estate Tax accounts. As a result, 13,355 homeowners were removed from an assistance program. An additional 7,904 were confirmed eligible to continue receiving them. The remaining 782 are still in progress. The compliance review has resulted in an additional $33.5 million in Real Estate Tax billed across multiple tax years. These figures are preliminary and may change as appeals are decided and proof documentation is received.
Homeowners under review received at least two notices and were given 60 days to verify their eligibility before Revenue took action. This process provides ample opportunity to verify eligibility. Homeowners who believe their programs were removed incorrectly have the right to appeal to the Board of Revision of Taxes.
“We want eligible homeowners to get the relief they deserve,” said Kathleen McColgan, Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Revenue. “These compliance projects help ensure that program participation is accurate, fair, and accessible to residents who truly qualify.”
As part of its commitment to the integrity of assistance programs, the Department will continue to monitor eligibility indicators and proactively expand outreach to residents whose property status may have changed.
Homeowners who believe they may no longer be eligible for a Real Estate Tax reduction program, or who need assistance verifying eligibility, are encouraged to contact the Department of Revenue as soon as possible. Revenue staff can help residents review their information and make updates if needed. Contacting the Department promptly may also help prevent future compliance actions that could result in additional tax, interest, and penalties if a property is later found to be ineligible.
To learn more about the assistance programs available to help make Real Estate Tax bills affordable for all Philadelphians, please visit phila.gov/real-estate-relief.