PHILADELPHIA, PA — With the year-end deadline fast approaching, Philadelphia property owners are being urged to settle their 2023 Real Estate Tax bills by December 31 to avoid delinquency. For those unable to pay in full, the city’s Department of Revenue offers several payment plans to help manage the burden.
Real Estate Tax bills for 2023 were originally due on March 31. Accounts unpaid by the end of the year will be considered delinquent as of January 1, 2024, accruing monthly charges at a rate of 1.5%. In addition to these charges, the city will place a lien on delinquent properties and add legal fees to the outstanding balance—further increasing the debt.
To help property owners navigate this financial obligation, the Philadelphia Department of Revenue offers a Standard Payment Agreement. This program allows owners to pay their bills in installments, providing relief to those unable to afford a one-time, lump-sum payment. While the agreement requires a down payment, it isn’t income-based, making it an option for all property owners—even those who don’t reside on their properties.
For Philadelphians living in their own homes, the city has tailored a special program known as the Owner Occupied Payment Agreement (OOPA). Under OOPA, homeowners can make affordable, income-based monthly payments towards their delinquent Real Estate Tax bills. Remarkably, some homeowners may qualify for payments as low as $0 per month through this program.
The OOPA has been designed to protect Philadelphia homes from tax foreclosure or Sheriff’s sale, and it also prevents accounts from being sent to a collection agency. All homeowners, regardless of income, qualify for an OOPA, and the program ensures that repayment plans are always affordable.
Applying for an OOPA is straightforward and can be done online. Property owners can search for their property on the Philadelphia Tax Center website, select their property account, and then follow the prompts to submit an application. Once enrolled in the program, homeowners can manage their old, current, and future property taxes in manageable monthly payments. However, maintaining consistent payment is essential for continued participation in the OOPA program.
Payments towards Real Estate Taxes can also be made directly on the Philadelphia Tax Center website. Property owners simply need their address or OPA number to access their account balance.
For those seeking additional support, the city offers a host of options to help reduce the Real Estate Tax burden. Further details on these relief programs are available on Philadelphia’s Real Estate Tax relief webpage or by calling the Department of Revenue at (215) 686-6442.
In the face of looming deadlines and potential financial penalties, the City of Philadelphia is encouraging property owners to act swiftly and take advantage of the resources available to them. By doing so, they can ensure a financially secure start to 2024.
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