Philadelphia Homeowners: Don’t Miss Out on the Homestead Exemption

If you own a home in Philadelphia and live there as your primary residence, you may be eligible for a simple property tax benefit that can save you up to $1,399 each year.

The Philadelphia Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable portion of your home’s assessed value by $100,000. For many Philadelphia homeowners, that means a lower Real Estate Tax bill every year.

And the best part? You only need to apply once.

Who qualifies?

The Homestead Exemption is available to Philadelphia homeowners who:

• Own the property

• Live in the property as their primary residence

There are no income or age requirements, and having a mortgage does not prevent you from qualifying. You may also qualify if you have delinquent property taxes.

The exemption applies only to your primary residence, so if you own multiple properties, you can only claim the Homestead Exemption on the home where you live.

When should you apply?

The City’s final deadline is December 1 each year, but homeowners are encouraged to apply by October 1 if they want the exemption reflected on their upcoming Real Estate Tax bill.

If you apply after October 1 but before the December 1 deadline, you can still receive the benefit. However, the City may issue a second bill reflecting the adjusted amount.

If you haven’t checked whether you already have the exemption, now is a great time to do so.

How do I know if I already have it?

You can check your property’s status through the City of Philadelphia’s Property Search website. Search your address and look for the Homestead Exemption information in your property details.

You can also call the City’s Homestead Hotline at (215) 686-9200.

How do I apply?

Applying is quick and can be done online through the Philadelphia Tax Center. You can also apply by phone or mail.

Check your property and apply for the Homestead Exemption through the City of Philadelphia⁠

Once your application is approved, you generally do not need to reapply as long as you continue to own and live in the property. You may need to submit a new application if there is a change to your deed, such as adding or removing a co-owner or refinancing.

Buying a home in Philadelphia?

If you’re a new homeowner, don’t assume you have the exemption automatically. Once you own and occupy your home as your primary residence, make sure you check your property’s status and apply if necessary.

The Homestead Exemption is just one of several property tax relief programs available to Philadelphia homeowners. Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for programs such as the Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP) or a Real Estate Tax Freeze.

Buying a home is a big investment—make sure you’re taking advantage of every benefit available to you.

If you’re a Philadelphia homeowner, take a few minutes to check your Homestead Exemption status before October 1. A quick application today could mean meaningful savings on your property tax bill for years to come.