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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Philadelphia County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Philadelphia County, PA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.40% effective rate (varies by property type and location within city)
1st Due
Mar 31
2nd Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Philadelphia County operates under a unified city-county government structure where property taxes serve as a primary funding source for essential municipal services including public schools, police and fire protection, street maintenance, and city operations. The Philadelphia property tax system is administered by the city's Department of Revenue, which handles assessment, billing, and collection processes for all properties within the county boundaries.

Property owners in Philadelphia County can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 1.40% of assessed value, which is slightly higher than Pennsylvania's statewide average of around 1%. This rate reflects the urban nature of the county and the extensive municipal services provided to residents. Property assessments are conducted by the city's Office of Property Assessment, and the tax system generates crucial revenue that directly supports the quality of life and infrastructure throughout Philadelphia County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
City Tax0.6159%General city operations, services, and infrastructure
School District Tax0.7839%Philadelphia School District funding
Total Combined Rate1.3998%Total effective property tax rate for 2025

Note: The combined rate of 1.3998% has remained stable since 2016, providing predictability for property owners. All properties within Philadelphia County are subject to both components, as the city and school district boundaries are coterminous.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Philadelphia County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Mar 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jan 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Philadelphia County are typically triggered by significant property improvements, new construction, or major reassessment events that occur after the annual assessment date. When substantial improvements are made to a property during the tax year, the Office of Property Assessment may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the current tax year rather than waiting until the next annual assessment cycle.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then applying the current tax rate of 1.3998% to this difference. The resulting tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the improvement was completed. For example, if a $100,000 addition is completed in July, the supplemental tax would be approximately $700 ($100,000 × 1.3998% × 6/12 months), billed separately from the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$45,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Annual Tax: $255,000 × 1.3998% = $3,569.49
  • Monthly Payment: $297.46

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$45,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $555,000
  • Annual Tax: $555,000 × 1.3998% = $7,768.89
  • Monthly Payment: $647.41

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$45,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $955,000
  • Annual Tax: $955,000 × 1.3998% = $13,368.09
  • Monthly Payment: $1,114.01

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Philadelphia County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly property tax payments along with principal, interest, and insurance, then pays the annual property tax bill directly to the city on behalf of the homeowner. Escrow payments are typically calculated by dividing the previous year's tax bill by 12 months, with adjustments made annually based on actual tax bills received.

Property taxes in Philadelphia are due annually, with bills typically mailed in late December for the following tax year. Homeowners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender receives and pays the bill promptly to avoid penalties. For those paying directly or managing their own escrow verification, payments can be made online through the city's official portal at https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/make-a-payment/pay-property-taxes/, which accepts various payment methods including bank transfers and credit cards.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Philadelphia County? A: Property taxes are due annually, with bills typically issued in late December for the following tax year. The due date is usually March 31st, with a discount period often available for early payment.

Q: What exemptions are available to reduce my property taxes? A: Philadelphia offers several exemptions including the Homestead Exemption (up to $45,000 off assessed value), Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze, and various programs for veterans and disabled individuals.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Philadelphia? A: Philadelphia conducts ongoing assessments rather than county-wide reassessments. Properties may be reassessed when sold, significantly improved, or as part of targeted neighborhood reviews.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals can be filed with the Board of Revision of Taxes. Appeals must typically be filed within specific timeframes after receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax sale proceedings if payments remain outstanding.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, property taxes can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person. The city accepts various payment methods including electronic checks and credit cards.

Q: What is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program? A: This is a state program providing rebates up to $650 (or $975 with supplemental rebates) for eligible homeowners and renters aged 65+, widows/widowers 50+, and disabled individuals meeting income requirements.

Q: How can I verify my property information and tax history? A: Use the city's online property search tool at https://property.phila.gov/ to view assessment details, tax history, and property characteristics for any address in Philadelphia County.

For additional information and services, visit the official Philadelphia property tax portal at https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/property-taxes/.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Philadelphia County Assessorphila.gov
02
State
Real Estate Tax | Services | City of Philadelphiaphila.gov
03
Tax Doc
Eight questions answered about Philly property taxesphila.gov
04
Own a property in Philly? Here's what to know!phila.gov
05
Tax Doc
PA Tax Update (No. 134, February/March 2008)pa.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Programbuckscounty.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Programpa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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