Real Estate Tax Assistance Programs (Version 2)
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania offer several programs that can help homeowners reduce their property taxes or make them more affordable. Eligibility requirements vary by program.
Not sure which program is right for you? Many homeowners qualify for more than one form of tax relief. The City of Philadelphia now offers a combined application that lets eligible homeowners apply for several property tax assistance programs at once.
Homestead Exemption
The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence by $100,000, lowering your real estate tax bill.
To qualify, you must:
- Own your home.
- Live in the home as your primary residence.
You only need to apply once unless ownership or residency changes.
Learn more or apply: https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/get-the-homestead-exemption/
Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP)
LOOP helps longtime Philadelphia homeowners whose property taxes increased significantly because of a large increase in their property's assessed value.
If you qualify, LOOP reduces the assessed value used to calculate your property taxes, helping keep taxes affordable while you remain in your home.
Learn more or apply: https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/payment-plans-and-assistance-programs/income-based-programs-for-residents/apply-for-the-longtime-owner-occupants-program-loop/
Low-Income Real Estate Tax Freeze
The Low-Income Real Estate Tax Freeze allows eligible homeowners to freeze the amount of Real Estate Tax they pay each year, even if their property's assessed value or the tax rate increases.
Income limits and other eligibility requirements apply.
Learn more or apply: https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/tax-freeze/apply-for-the-low-income-real-estate-tax-freeze/
Low-Income Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze
Eligible Philadelphia homeowners who are age 65 or older may qualify to freeze their real estate taxes at their current amount.
Applications are generally due by September 30th each year.
Owner-Occupied Payment Agreement (OOPA)
If you have fallen behind on your property taxes, OOPA allows eligible owner-occupants to enter into an affordable payment agreement while protecting them from tax foreclosure as long as they remain in the program and make their required payments.
Learn more or apply: https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/payment-plans-and-assistance-programs/income-based-programs-for-residents/owner-occupied-payment-agreement/
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, you may qualify for a Philadelphia Real Estate Tax credit.
Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps eligible older adults and people with disabilities pay property taxes or rent.
Eligibility is based on age, disability status, and income.
Learn more or apply: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/ptrr
Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption
Pennsylvania offers a real estate tax exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability who meet the program's eligibility requirements.
Eligibility depends on military service, disability status, residency, and financial need.
Learn more or apply: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/pennsylvania-veterans/programs-and-services/financial-assistance/retx
Current-Year Installment Plan
Eligible homeowners may pay their current year's Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes in monthly installments instead of one lump sum.
Learn more or apply: https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/payment-plans-and-assistance-programs/real-estate-tax-installment-plan/