Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes

Real Estate Taxes Philadelphia

Real Estate Taxes Philadelphia Pennsylvania: How it Works

The idea of paying taxes on an item you own, such as real estate, may seem pointless. However, without Philadelphia real estate taxes, community programs like schools and libraries will not have funding for public services. Essentially, the amount of real tax owed goes off the home value. So, knowing that low-income or elderly homeowners in Philadelphia may be exempt from paying property taxes is vital. As a homeowner, understanding Philadelphia property taxes can prevent issues such as penalties and potential liens.

Who Pays Philadelphia Real Estate Tax?

Philadelphia homeowners must pay city and school taxes by March 31st each year. The yearly taxes apply to all property owners, whether they live there themselves or rent it out to tenants. Property owners’ taxes fund public services for the community.

Property taxes help fund services such as housing, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. These funds improve life in Philadelphia by maintaining public facilities and services for residents. Furthermore, tax funds help ensure that these buildings are in good shape for people to use.

Paying property taxes on time helps homeowners support their community and Philadelphia’s growth and development. Property owners must pay taxes to help the city provide services and keep a good quality of life.

This financial contribution is vital for the city to function correctly and meet the needs of its residents. Without Philadelphia real estate taxes, the city would have difficulty paying for essential things like schools, safety, and road maintenance. So, property owners help their community grow and thrive by paying taxes on time.

What Is The Real Estate Tax in Philadelphia?

The amount of property taxes in Philadelphia is set at a rate depending on the property’s current assessed value. For example, in 2023, the tax rate in Philadelphia was 1.3998%, which is usual for the city of brotherly love.

The total tax rate includes a city tax rate of 0.6317% and a school district tax rate of 0.7681%, the amount due for the year. Notably, the taxes owed by homeowners in Philadelphia depend on their income. The city has programs to assist low-income residents with Philadelphia real estate taxes and paying property tax bills.

The property taxes are due by March 31st, and the homeowner will have late interest added to the amount owed of 1.5% monthly. Furthermore, if someone in Philadelphia doesn’t pay their taxes for a year, the city can charge up to 15% interest. So, without receiving payment, the city of Philly can start a foreclosure process and sell the house at a sheriff’s sale.

How To Pay Property Taxes?

Real estate tax in Philadelphia is due every year by the end of March. Four different options exist for the payment of Philadelphia real estate taxes. So, the four options will be to pay online, pay by mail, pay taxes by phone, or in person.

  • Pay property tax in Philadelphia online by entering the home address on the Philadelphia Tax Center website. Homeowners can also pay yearly taxes online through the Office of Property Assessment.
  • Mail your taxes to the Philadelphia Department of Revenue at 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd in Center City.
  • Pay by phone: The payment method is simple: call 877-309-3710. This payment requires a debit or credit card.
  • Pay your Philadelphia real estate taxes in person at one of three authorized payment centers. The city recommends making an appointment to pay taxes in person. Only two places have reopened after COVID-19: Center City and Northeast Philadelphia. The North Philadelphia payment building is still closed.

Exemptions For Philadelphia Real Estate Taxes

Tax exemptions are essential for individuals who work to make ends meet. In addition, real estate tax breaks assist low-income and elderly homeowners while also helping boost the local economy.

Philadelphia offers tax discounts and exemptions if you meet two requirements: you must live on the property, have a low income, or be a senior citizen.

Philly Tax Exemptions

  • Philadelphia has two tax payment programs, which consist of monthly payments. The first is the owner-occupied real estate tax agreement, and the other is the installment plans. Being able to pay a bill over time helps people save money and apply a little of their weekly paychecks towards that cost.
  • Low-income seniors who cannot work and have a fixed income may qualify for a tax freeze. Keeping seniors at a locked-in standard rate will make paying their bills easier. Every community should support older adults by reducing real estate tax bills to assist seniors.
  • Longtime owner occupants program: Property values in Philadelphia continue to increase. So, the longtime owner program gives a tax break to low-income owners with increased property value.
  • The Deferral program is for tax increases of 15% or higher.
  • Philadelphia also offers tax credits for active duty reserve or national guards outside Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Tax Abatement Programs

  • Homestead Exemption: All Philadelphia homeowners who apply are eligible for this tax break. It lowers the taxable part of the property assessment by 80k for 2023 and beyond. Through the tax period of 2020 and 2022, the amount to decrease from the property assessment was only 45k.
  • Philadelphia gives tax breaks for affordable new or updated homes and partakes in government housing assistance programs.
  • Homeowners may receive a tax deduction for property damage caused by fire or natural disasters. The damage must decrease at least fifty percent of the property value to get this tax break.
  • Pennsylvania offers tax cuts to people injured in the war.

Property Tax Philadelphia: Helps The Community

Philadelphia County created Philadelphia real estate taxes to help pay for public services. Local governments determine property taxes based on the home’s value, which may vary depending on the person’s pay rate. Importantly, you can find the house value on the city’s website. Also, to calculate the tax amount, multiply the total assessed amount by 1.3998% to see the yearly taxes.

A homeowner can disagree with the home’s estimated value and try to agree with the city of Philadelphia. Although the city is not guaranteed to lower taxes, different tax breaks exist.

As we said before, property taxes are vital because they fund public education, housing assistance, and other public programs. Because without Philadelphia real estate taxes, these services would not be available.

Paying taxes on time is paramount to the function of the city. If there are any problems, contact your local government for help. Lastly, if the taxes become too high, consider selling the property to a local home buyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.