Philadelphia property tax deadlines approaching

Philadelphians have until Thursday to apply for a property tax relief program that will save most homeowners more than $1,000.

And, after a city-wide reassessment led to increases for many property owners, Friday is the deadline to request an assessment review.

Anyone who lives in the home they own can qualify for the Homestead Exemption, which decreases the taxable value of a property.

City Council and Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration, in response to the reassessment, raised the exemption from $45,000 to $80,000. City officials said most homeowners enrolled in the program will save around $1,119.

Deputy Revenue Commissioner Rebecca Lopez Kriss said her office estimates that 20% of Philadelphia homeowners are not taking advantage of breaks that could lower their tax bill.

“People may not realize that all homeowners are eligible for the Homestead Exemption regardless of age or income,” she said in a statement.

Property owners can apply for the Homestead Exemption at the revenue department’s new website, known as the Philadelphia Tax Center — tax-services.phila.gov.

In addition, interested applicants can call 215-686-9200 or obtain a paper version of the form at phila.gov/homestead. Paperwork for the exemption must be postmarked no later than Dec. 1.

Homeowners have until September 2023 to apply for two other popular tax relief programs – the Longtime Owner Occupant Program and the Senior Citizen Tax Freeze.

The tax freeze benefit is for low-income residents ages 65 and older who want to permanently lock in their assessments.

People who have owned their homes for more than a decade, meet certain income requirements and have received large assessment increases qualify for LOOP.

The city’s Office of Property Assessment will be accepting First Level Review submissions until Friday, Dec. 2.

Property owners who believe their tax valuation is too high can file an FLR, which gives OPA the opportunity to reconsider its assessment.

Residents can argue that their home’s characteristics were listed incorrectly or that similar properties on their block received different assessments.

FLR forms were included in assessment notices mailed out to residents. Anyone who needs a replacement application can call 215-686-9200.

Requesting a FLR is the only opportunity left for property owners to challenge their valuations, since the deadline passed in October for appealing assessments with the Board of Revision of Taxes.

Total residential values in Philadelphia rose 31% when the reassessments results were issued in May, and many homeowners saw much higher increases. To view a property’s assessment, go to phila.gov/property and type in the address.