It’s always a good idea to pay your Real Estate Tax on time and in full, but we know it can be hard sometimes.

A Philly homeowner who owes Real Estate Tax can get an Owner-Occupied Payment Agreement (OOPA) to bring their account into compliance. OOPA gives you a plan that fits your situation and allows you to make affordable monthly payments. We’ve put together four reasons why you should use OOPA to stay current on your taxes:

1. Making affordable payments

OOPA breaks your debt down into monthly payments. Your payment is either based on your household income and size, or on your household’s expenses. Your monthly payments will stay predictable and easier to budget.

2. Preventing a Tax Sale

Delinquent property taxes could result in you losing your property at a Sheriff Tax Sale. Tax sales are always a last resort. The Department of Revenue’s main goal is to ensure tax compliance while providing relief to qualifying Philadelphians.

But once enrolled into a payment agreement, the City considers you to be in good standing. As long as you stay in the program and follow the terms, the program will always protect your home from a tax sale.

3. Getting low monthly payments

OOPA payments are not the same for everyone. The City uses income and household size to place participants into different payment tiers. Your monthly payments could be as low as $0 depending on your circumstances.

4. Adding new property taxes to existing agreements

OOPAs don’t require a down payment. For some participants, new property taxes may be automatically added to their existing agreements. This can be helpful for homeowners.

The debt doesn’t go away, but so long as you are following your agreement, your home is protected.

Don’t count yourself out!

OOPA is income-based, like all other City-offered property tax assistance programs. Yet the program is available to all Philly homeowners. Your income and household size only determine the terms of your agreement. So don’t count yourself out even if you think your income is “too high” to qualify. The City may even consider your monthly expenses when determining your payment schedule (depending on your circumstances).

Apply online

It’s the fastest and easiest way to get an OOPA:

  • Go to tax-services.phila.gov
  • Select “Search for a property” in the “Property” panel,
  • Enter your address and select “Search.” Your property’s OPA number appears as a blue hyperlink on the right side of the screen. Select it to access your property account and follow the prompts.
  • Select “Apply for real estate assistance programs.”
  • Then, select “Submit an Owner-Occupied Payment Agreement” under the “Payment agreements” panel to start your application.

You can also apply in person at any of our three municipal services centers or email this application form to revenue.payment.agreement@phila.gov.

If you would like to mail your application, here’s the address:

City of Philadelphia
Department of Revenue, Taxpayer Services
P.O. Box 53250,
Philadelphia PA 19105

Apply even if your name isn’t on the deed

Some homeowners hesitate to apply because their name is not currently listed on the deed. If you live in the home and have a legal interest in it, you may still qualify for an OOPA. This is especially important if you’ve inherited a house or have a tangled title. Don’t assume you’re not eligible. Call the SaveYourHomePhilly hotline at (215) 334-4663 and ask for help with OOPA and tangled title.

Apply for an OOPA online!