Resources for
Property Owners

Potential Taxpayer Resources & Programs

Homestead Exemption Benefit

The City of Philadelphia offers a Homestead Exemption program, which reduces the taxable portion of your property assessment by $45,000. If you are approved, your real estate tax bill will likely be lower the next year. To qualify, you must own and live in your home as your primary residence. Contact the Philadelphia Office of Property Assessment, 601 Walnut Street, 3 West, Philadelphia, PA 19106, or the Homestead Hotline at (215) 686-9200, or visit www.phila.gov/opa.

Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP)

LOOP is a Real Estate Tax relief program for eligible homeowners whose property assessments increased by 50% or more, from last year. Participants must also fall within income limits, and meet length of home ownership requirements. To qualify you must prove that you are a homeowner whose primary residence’s assessment increased by 50% or more from last year; that you have lived in your home for 10 years or more; that your property taxes are paid or in an active installment agreement; and income is below the level established by the City of Philadelphia. Ex. a single person household has an annual income cap of $94,650.00. You cannot enroll in LOOP and the Homestead exemption at the same time. Call Philadelphia Department of Revenue (215) 686-9200.

Real Estate Tax deferral program

If your Real Estate Tax increases by more than 15% from the previous year, you may be able to postpone payment on the excess amount. If eligible, you can defer payment until the property is transferred or sold. The City will charge a minimum annual interest rate of at least 2%, and the deferred amount will also be subject to a lien. Eligibility and extent of benefit is determined by the amount of income tax relative to household income. Call Philadelphia Department of Revenue 215-686-6442.

Active Duty Reserve and National Guard Tax Credit

If you are a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, who is called to active duty outside of Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia may give you a tax credit against real estate taxes. Call Philadelphia Department of Revenue 215-686- 6442.

Senior Citizen Tax Freeze Benefit

For senior citizens who qualify, the City of Philadelphia will “freeze” their real estate tax. Once approved, if your assessment changes or the tax rate changes, your taxes due will not increase. To qualify, you or your spouse must be 65 or older, or you must be over 50 and your deceased spouse was at least 65 at the time of death; and meet income guidelines. Application deadline is October 15th each year. Call Philadelphia Department of Revenue 215-686-6442.

Pennsylvania Property Tax Rebate

This program provides a rebate of some or all of your real estate taxes. To qualify, you must be age 65 or older, a widow/widower age 50 or older, or disabled age 18 or older; have owned and lived in the property during the rebate period; paid the real estate taxes in full; and meet income guidelines. Call Pennsylvania Department of Revenue 1-888-222-9190

Disabled Veteran Tax Benefit

If you are a 100% service-related disabled military veteran (or surviving spouse) and demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for a 100% exemption from real estate taxes. Contact the Philadelphia County Director of Veterans Affairs at (215) 686-3256, or the Commonwealth of PA, Department of Military Affairs, Bureau For Veterans Affairs, Annville, PA 17003-5002, 1-800-54-PAVE.

Current Real Estate Tax Installment Plan

If you cannot pay your current real estate taxes by the March 31st due date of each year, you may apply to pay your taxes in monthly installments. The application deadline is February 28th of each year. To qualify, you must own and live in your property as your primary residence, and you must meet income guidelines. Call Philadelphia Department of Revenue 215-686-6442.

Owner Occupied Payment Agreement (OOPA)

If you are a qualified homeowner, you may be eligible for an OOPA. You must provide written proof of Household Income, an ownership interest in the property, and proof that you reside at the property. Plans are based on household income and can be for as little as $25 per month (or no monthly payments in instances where a household has no income). Contact Philadelphia Department of Revenue 215-686-6442.

Housing Counseling Agencies

These Housing Counseling agencies are located in Philadelphia and have been specifically trained to assist with delinquent real estate tax matters.

Mt. Airy CDC
6703 Germantown Ave, Ste. 200
(215) 844-6021
www.mtairycdc.org

Unemployment Information Center (PUP)
112 N. Broad Street, 11th St.
(215) 557-0822

Urban League of Philadelphia
121 S. Broad St., 9th Floor
(215) 985-3220
www.urbanleaguephila.org

Congreso de Latinos Unidos
216 W. Somerset St
(215) 763-8870
www.congreso.net

Other Resources

Philadelphia Department of Revenue
1401 JFK Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19101
(215) 686-6442/Ombudsman: (215) 686-5210
www.phila.gov/revenue

Philadelphia Bar Association
1101 Market Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 238-1701

Community Legal Services, Inc.
North Philadelphia Law Center
1410 Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Tel: (215) 227-2400
Walk-in Intake: Mon., Wed., Fri. (9 to 12) 

“Save Your Home Philly Hotline”
42 S. 15th Street, Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Tel: (215) 334-HOME (4663)
Walk-in intake: Mondays and Wednesdays (9 to 11:30)

SeniorLAW Center
Two Penn Center
1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 1501
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 988-1242
Serving clients 60 and older
Helpline: (215) 988-1242, Mon. thru Thurs. (10 to 2)
Emergency Walk-ins: Tuesday and Thursday (9 to 12)

Philadelphia Office of Property Assessment
601 Walnut Street – 3 West
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 686-9200

Tax Review Board
100 S. Broad Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 686-5215

Philadelphia Board of Revision of Taxes
601 Walnut St., Suite 325 East
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 686-4343 or (215) 686-9283