Philadelphia officials have launched a new bilingual application that consolidates five Real Estate Tax assistance programs into a single, streamlined process for homeowners.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Revenue, the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Office of Innovation and Technology, is part of the City’s Better Services PHL program, established under Mayor Parker’s Executive Order 2-24.
The new application combines the processes for the Homestead Exemption, Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP), Senior and Low-Income Real Estate Tax Freeze, and the Real Estate Tax Installment Plan. While each program has distinct eligibility rules and deadlines, the unified application makes it easier for residents to determine which programs they qualify for and reduces barriers such as excessive paperwork, city officials said.
“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… creating a more streamlined application process will improve participation and reduce that gap.”
Homeowners can access the application by entering their property address on the Property Panel of the Philadelphia Tax Center at tax-services.phila.gov. The platform is mobile-friendly and available in Spanish.
Covered programs include:
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-
