How to Pay Your Philadelphia Property Tax
Where and how to pay Philadelphia property tax
Philadelphia property taxes are collected by the Office of the City Treasurer, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person. The city's online payment system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers through its website at phila.gov/revenue. You can also pay by phone by calling the Treasurer's Office at 215-686-6680, though phone payments typically require a credit or debit card and may include a processing fee.
Mailing a check to the Office of the City Treasurer, 1401 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102 is free but takes longer — mail it at least 10 business days before your due date to ensure it arrives on time. In-person payments are accepted at the Treasurer's Office during business hours, and some city payment centers also accept property tax payments. If you pay online or by phone, the city charges a convenience fee that varies depending on your payment method; check the website for current rates before you submit.
Your property tax bill arrives once per year, usually in the spring, and payment is due by the date printed on your bill. The due date is typically in the summer or early fall. If you do not receive a bill, contact the Office of the City Treasurer or check your account status online — owing taxes without receiving a bill does not stop penalties and interest from accruing.
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia property taxes are paid to the Office of the City Treasurer, and you can pay online at phila.gov/revenue, by phone, by mail, or in person.
- Online and phone payments include a convenience fee; mailing a check is free but requires 10 business days to arrive safely.
- Your bill arrives once per year with a single due date; if you miss it, penalties and interest begin accruing immediately.
- If your bill does not arrive, you are still responsible for the tax, so contact the Treasurer's Office to confirm what you owe.
What happens if you pay late
Philadelphia adds a penalty and interest to any property tax payment that arrives after the due date. The penalty is 5 percent of the unpaid tax, and interest accrues at a rate set by the city each year — currently around 6 percent annually, though this rate changes. Both the penalty and interest are added to your bill, so the longer you wait, the more you owe.
If your tax remains unpaid for a full year, the city can place a lien on your property, which means the city has a legal claim against your home. A lien does not force you out immediately, but it blocks you from selling or refinancing your home until the tax and all penalties and interest are paid. The city can also pursue collection through the courts, which may result in additional legal fees added to your bill.
If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Treasurer's Office before the deadline. The city sometimes offers payment plans for property owners who owe multiple years of back taxes, though these are not automatic — you must request one and meet the city's terms.
Payment plans and hardship options
If you owe property taxes from multiple years or cannot pay the full amount by the due date, the Office of the City Treasurer may allow you to set up a payment plan. Payment plans typically require you to pay a portion of what you owe upfront and then make monthly installments for the remainder. The city does not advertise a standard hardship program for current-year taxes, but it does negotiate payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
To request a payment plan, contact the Treasurer's Office directly at 215-686-6680 or visit in person. Have your property tax bill and account number ready. The city will review your situation and propose terms if a plan is possible. Be aware that penalties and interest continue to accrue while you are on a payment plan unless the city specifically waives them as part of your agreement.
If you are a senior citizen or disabled homeowner, you may be may be able to access for a property tax exemption or abatement through Philadelphia's Office of Property Assessment, which is separate from the payment process. These programs reduce the amount of tax you owe in the first place rather than offering payment relief after the bill arrives. Information about exemptions is available at phila.gov/property-assessment.
Understanding your property tax bill
Your Philadelphia property tax bill shows the assessed value of your home, the tax rate, and the total amount due. The assessed value is set by the Office of Property Assessment and is used to calculate your tax. The tax rate is set by the city and is the same for all residential properties in Philadelphia, though the rate can change from year to year.
Your bill also shows any exemptions or abatements that apply to your property — for example, if you own a historic property or are a senior homeowner, your assessed value may be reduced. If you believe your assessed value is wrong, you can file an appeal with the Office of Property Assessment, but this must be done within a specific window after your bill is issued. Check your bill for the appeal deadline.
If you have questions about how your tax was calculated or why it changed from the previous year, the Office of Property Assessment can explain the details. You can reach them at 215-686-1483 or visit their website.
Setting up automatic payments
The city's online payment system allows you to set up a one-time payment or a recurring automatic payment if you prefer not to pay manually each year. To set up automatic payments, log into your account at phila.gov/revenue and select the automatic payment option. You will need to provide your bank account information or credit card details.
Automatic payments are deducted on or shortly before your due date each year. If your bill amount changes — which it can, because assessed values and tax rates fluctuate — the system will charge the new amount. Make sure your bank account has sufficient funds on the payment date to avoid overdraft fees. You can cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.
If you use automatic payments, keep a record of the confirmation number from each payment. This protects you if a payment is disputed or if you need to prove you paid on time.
Checking your payment status and getting a receipt
After you pay, you can check whether the city has received and processed your payment by logging into your account at phila.gov/revenue. Online and phone payments typically show as received within one to two business days. Mailed checks may take longer to post to your account, so allow extra time before assuming a payment was lost.
If you paid online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number immediately — save this. If you paid by mail, request a receipt from the Treasurer's Office if you need proof of payment for your records. The city does not automatically send receipts for mailed payments, so you may need to ask.
If your payment does not appear in your account after the expected time, contact the Treasurer's Office with your confirmation number or check number. Do not assume the payment went through if you cannot see it online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my property tax with a credit card online?
Yes, the city's online payment system at phila.gov/revenue accepts credit cards and debit cards, but a convenience fee applies. The fee amount depends on your payment method and is shown before you confirm the payment. You can also pay by bank transfer (ACH) through the same system, which may have a lower fee.
What if I own property in Philadelphia but live out of state?
You can pay online or by mail from anywhere. The online system is the fastest option because it processes immediately. If you mail a check, allow extra time for it to reach Philadelphia. You can also authorize someone else to pay on your behalf if you provide them with your account information.
Do I have to pay property tax if I am renting out my home?
Yes, the property owner is responsible for paying property taxes regardless of whether the property is owner-occupied or rented. If you are a landlord, you owe the full tax bill. Some landlords include a portion of the property tax in the rent they charge tenants, but the legal obligation to pay the city belongs to the owner.
What if my property tax bill is wrong?
Contact the Office of Property Assessment at 215-686-1483 to dispute the assessed value or ask for an explanation of how your tax was calculated. You can also file a formal appeal, but there is a deadline — usually within a few months of receiving your bill. Check your bill for the exact appeal period and instructions.
Can I deduct my Philadelphia property taxes on my federal income tax return?
Yes, property taxes are generally deductible on your federal return if you itemize deductions. However, there is a limit on how much state and local tax you can deduct each year. Consult a tax professional or the IRS website for current limits and rules that apply to your situation.