City of Philadelphia Launches Combined Application for Real Estate Tax Assistance Programs

PHILADELPHIA -The City of Philadelphia has launched a bilingual application for Real Estate Tax assistance programsthat combines five different program applications into one, making it easier for homeowners to apply for programs that reduce their Philadelphia Real Estate Taxbill.

The combined application, the result of a collaboration among the Department of Revenue, the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer(CAO), and the Office of Innovation and Technology(OIT), is the first of many resident-facing service improvements the City is making through the Better Services PHL initiative, established by Mayor Parker's Executive Order 2-24. The project combines the applications for five assistance programs: Homestead Exemption, Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP), Senior and Low-Income Real Estate Tax Freeze, and the Real Estate Tax Installment Plan.

Although each program has different eligibility requirements, due dates, and savings, the combined Real Estate Tax assistance application serves to streamline the application process. It helps residents easily identify the programs for which they qualify and removes barriers, such as excessive paperwork and complex processes, to obtain tax relief. Philadelphia homeowners can find the application by searching for their property address on the Property Panel of the Philadelphia Tax Center at tax-services.phila.gov. The Tax Center is accessible on mobile devices and tablets and is available in Spanish.

"At the beginning of my administration, I committed to making a government that works better for ordinary citizens," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "Launching this project is the continued realization of the City's commitment to improving resident service delivery."

"By combining these applications into one, we're making it easier for homeowners to get the tax relief they are entitled to," said Kathleen McColgan, Revenue Commissioner. "We know nearly 80 percent of homeowners are taking advantage of Real Estate programs for which they are eligible. Along with our extensive and ongoing outreach efforts to inform taxpayers, which include advertising, letters, and door-to-door outreach, creating a more streamlined application process will improve participation and reduce that gap."

This project is one of the Department of Revenue's foremost budget objectives for FY26 and is made possible by the support of Mayor Parker's One Philly 2.0 FY26 Budget. The combined application is now live. Philadelphia homeowners can visit the Philadelphia Tax Center at tax-services.phila.govto get started.

COVERED PROGRAMS:
Homestead Exemption- Reduces your home's assessed value by $100,000, saving money on your tax bill. There are no age or income requirements. Learn more at phila.gov/homestead.

Low-Income Tax Freeze- Qualifying homeowners save by paying the same amount in taxes every year. If approved, your real estate tax bill can be frozen based on the most recent qualifying year, starting in 2024. Proof of income, identity, and residence is required. Learn more at phila.gov/tax-freeze.

Senior Citizen Tax Freeze - Qualifying homeowners save by paying the same amount in taxes every year. If you were eligible between 2018 and now, the amount of your bill will be frozen at the lowest amount from the first year you were eligible. Proof of age and income is required. Learn more at phila.gov/tax-freeze.

Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP) - Caps your home's assessed value and limits future tax increases. Qualifying homeowners save money over time. You must have experienced significant assessment increases, owned your home for at least ten years, and be under certain income limits. Learn more at phila.gov/loop.

Real Estate Tax Installment Payment Agreement- Pay current taxes in manageable installments instead of in one full payment. All seniors qualify regardless of income. Income limits apply to applicants under 65 years old. Proof of age for all applicants and proof of income for those under 65 is required. Learn more at phila.gov/revenue/installment-plan.