New relief for low-income homeowners

Posted 10/10/24

The Philadelphia Department of Revenue has announced that applications are now open for the new Low-Income Tax Freeze program, aimed at providing financial relief to low-income homeowners in the city.

The program, signed into law by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in June, will "freeze" real estate tax bills for eligible owner-occupied properties. Homeowners have until Jan. 31, 2025, to apply for the benefit to be reflected in their 2025 tax bill.

"No homeowner in Philadelphia should ever fear losing their home because they can't pay their taxes," Parker said. "The City offers useful programs …

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New relief for low-income homeowners

Posted

The Philadelphia Department of Revenue has announced that applications are now open for the new Low-Income Tax Freeze program, aimed at providing financial relief to low-income homeowners in the city.

The program, signed into law by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in June, will "freeze" real estate tax bills for eligible owner-occupied properties. Homeowners have until Jan. 31, 2025, to apply for the benefit to be reflected in their 2025 tax bill.

"No homeowner in Philadelphia should ever fear losing their home because they can't pay their taxes," Parker said. "The City offers useful programs to help keep tax bills affordable and protect residents."

To qualify, single applicants must have a monthly income of $33,500 or less, while couples are eligible with a monthly income up to $41,500. These limits are based on state requirements.

Revenue Commissioner Kathleen McColgan emphasized the program's significance, stating, "Eligible homeowners enrolled in this program will see significant savings and be protected from increasing property valuations in rapidly changing neighborhoods."

Applications can be submitted online through the Philadelphia Tax Center, by mail, or in person at neighborhood municipal service centers.

The city already offers several assistance programs for real estate taxes, including the recently increased Homestead Exemption, which will save most homeowners up to $1,399 on their 2025 tax bill.

For more information, residents can visit phila.gov/tax-freeze or call the Department of Revenue at 215-686-6442. Multi-language accommodation is available through the call center, and Spanish applications are accessible online and in paper form.