Real Estate Tax Assistance Programs

The information on this webpage was published by the City of Philadelphia to help homeowners looking for assistance with with paying their real estate taxes. This webpage provides a list of real estate tax assistance programs.  You can find information important to understanding property taxes in Philadelphia here.

Potential Taxpayer Resources & Programs

1. Homestead Exemption Benefit

The City of Philadelphia offers a Homestead Exemption program, which reduces the taxable portion of your property assessment by $30,000. 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. Visit the Philadelphia Office of Property Assessment at 601 Walnut Street, 3 West, Philadelphia, PA 19106, call the Homestead Hotline at (215) 686-9200, or look online for more information.

2. Home Equity Line of Credit/Second Mortgage

Taxpayers may qualify for a second mortgage or home equity line of credit. Visit your local lender to inquire about this option. Please be aware that if you take out a home equity loan to pay your taxes, it will be a mortgage on your home. To avoid “predatory loans” be sure you understand the terms of your loan before you sign any documents. You may contact a housing counseling agency listed on page 5 of this brochure for assistance.

3. 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. Visit the City of Philadelphia Revenue Department, 1401 JFK Blvd, Concourse Level, Philadelphia, PA 19102, call (215) 686-6442, or look on-line at www.phila.gov/revenue for more information.

4. 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 must have been at least 65 at the time of their death. In addition, you must meet income guidelines. Application deadline is October 15th each year. Visit the City of Philadelphia Revenue Department, 1401 JFK Blvd, Concourse Level, Philadelphia PA 19102, call (215) 686-6442, or look on-line at www.phila.gov/revenue for more information.

5. Pennsylvania Property Tax Rebate

This program provides a rebate of some or all of your real estate taxes. To qualify you must be at least 65 years old, a widow/widower at least 50 years old, or a disabled person at least 18 years old. You must also have owned and lived in the property during the rebate period, paid the real estate taxes in full and meet income guidelines. Call 1-888-222- 9190 or look on-line at www.revenue.state.pa.us for more information.

6. 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 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs, Bureau For Veterans Affairs, Annville, PA 17003-5002 or call 1-800-54-PAVE.

7. 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 March 31st of each year. To qualify, you must own and live in your property as your primary residence, be a senior at least 65 years old, or meet income guidelines. Contact the City of Philadelphia Revenue Department, 1401 JFK Blvd, Concourse Level, Philadelphia, PA 19102, call (215)686-6442, or look on-line at www.phila.gov/revenue.

For help with these programs contact a housing counseling agency or the Save Your Home Philly Hotline.