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Payments, assistance & taxes

Real Estate Tax

Due date
March
31st
of each year.
Tax rate

1.3998%

of the assessed property value.


You can complete online payments, print payment vouchers, and look up your balance for this tax on the Philadelphia Tax Center. For help getting started, see our tax center guide.

Get an account or pay now

Who pays the tax

Anyone who owns a taxable property in Philadelphia is responsible for paying Real Estate Tax. Typically, the owner of a property must pay the real estate taxes. However, anyone who has an interest in a property, such as someone living in the property, should make sure the real estate taxes are being paid.

Important dates

Payments are due and payable on March 31. The Department of Revenue usually mails Real Estate Tax bills to property owners in December.

Tax rates, penalties, & fees

How much is it?

The City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia both impose a tax on all real estate in the City. For the 2025 tax year, the rates are:

0.6159% (City) + 0.7839 (School District) = 1.3998% (total)

The amount of Real Estate Tax you owe is determined by the value of your property, as assessed by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA). If you disagree with your property assessment, you can file an appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT). Appeals must be filed by the first Monday in October of the year prior to the tax year you are appealing. (For example, to dispute an increase to your property assessment that is set to take effect in the 2020 tax year, you would need to file an appeal by the first Monday in October 2019.)


What happens if you don't pay on time?

If you fail to pay your Real Estate Taxes by March 31, increased charges – which include interest – will be added to the principal amount of the tax. Collectively called “additions,” these charges accrue at the rate of 1.5% per month, beginning April 1 until January 1 of the following year.

If the taxes remain unpaid on January 1 of the following year:

  • A 15% maximum addition is added to the principal balance.
  • The taxes are registered delinquent.
  • Liens are filed in the amount of the total delinquency, including additions.
  • The City can begin the process of selling your home at a sheriff sale.

Discounts & exemptions

Are you eligible for a discount?

The due date to pay your Real Estate Tax is March 31.

The City of Philadelphia also offers a number of income-based assistance programs for owner-occupied households and senior citizens. These programs include:

Pennsylvania also offers an income-based program for seniors and adults with disabilities. For eligibility and application details, visit PA’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program page. You can also call the Commonwealth’s Philadelphia District Office at (215) 560-2056. You do not need a receipt for real estate taxes paid to the City to apply for the Commonwealth’s Property Tax Rebate.


Can you be excused from paying the tax?

The City offers a number of abatement and exemption programs for Real Estate Taxes. These programs include:

  • Homestead Exemption for all Philadelphia homeowners who complete an application. This program reduces the taxable portion of your property assessment by $80,000 in effect for 2023 Real Estate Tax bills and future years. The exemption for tax year 2020 through tax year 2022 was $45,000.
  • Property tax abatements for both residential and commercial projects. Abatements encourage new construction or the rehabilitation of properties by making them more affordable.
  • Nonprofit tax exemptions for qualifying nonprofit organizations.
  • Catastrophic loss adjustment for people whose property has been damaged by a fire or other natural disaster. To qualify as a catastrophic, the damage must result in a decrease of 50% or more in property value.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also offers the Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption, which permits a veteran’s home to be exempt from real estate tax if the veteran has a service-connected disability.

How to pay

Pay online

Pay online through the Philadelphia Tax Center by entering your physical address or Office of Property Assessment (OPA) number. You can check your tax balance and make payments through the “Search for a property” link on the Tax Center’s homepage, under the “Property” panel.

Pay by mail

Pay by mail with a check or money order. Be sure to attach a payment voucher to your bill and write the tax type and account number on your check. Payment vouchers can be printed from the Philadelphia Tax Center.

Mail payments with coupon to:

Philadelphia Dept. of Revenue
P.O. Box 8409
Philadelphia, PA 19101-8409

Pay by phone

Pay by phone by calling (833) 913-0795. If you experience any problems with the telephone system, call customer service at (800) 487-4567.

Pay in person

Pay in person with a check or money order at one of our three authorized payment centers. Visit the Department of Revenue website to check payment center locations and hours.

Tax code

60

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