Philadelphia County Property Tax Appeal, Pennsylvania

Travis Bunn·Updated July 25, 2026

Philadelphia County is Pennsylvania's most populous county and is coterminous with the city of Philadelphia, serving as both the county seat and the state's largest city. With a 2026 population of approximately 1.57 million residents, the county combines historic neighborhoods with modern urban development. The median home value in Philadelphia County is $232,400 with an effective property tax rate of 0.84%, resulting in a median annual tax bill of $1,952. This rate is notably lower than Pennsylvania's state average of 1.35% and slightly below the national average of 0.91%, making property tax appeals particularly valuable for homeowners who believe their assessments are too high.

Notable cities: Philadelphia

Median Home

$232,400

Tax Rate

0.84%

Annual Tax

$1,952

Population

1,575,827

On the typical Philadelphia County home, valued near $232,400 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.84%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: October 5, 2026 (first Monday in October)

That is at most 41 days away. Your exact date is on your assessment notice, so do not wait on it.

The deadline to file a 2027 market value appeal is October 5, 2026. This is a firm, state-imposed deadline and late submissions are typically not accepted unless you file a nunc pro tunc petition explaining extraordinary circumstances. Special provision: If you purchased property after October 1st but before December 31st, you have 30 days from the execution of your Agreement of Sale to file an appeal.

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Pennsylvania stone house with picket fence. Philadelphia County appeal guide.

How Philadelphia County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Office of Property Assessment (OPA)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Summer (June-July)

In Philadelphia County, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning your assessed value equals your property's market value as determined by the Office of Property Assessment. For example, if your home's market value is $232,400 (the county median), at Philadelphia's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $232,400, resulting in approximately $1,952 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.84%. This direct 1:1 ratio makes it easier to compare your assessment to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Revision of Taxes. The Board of Revision of Taxes will schedule an oral hearing approximately 45-90 days after filing where you present your evidence to a hearing officer. Hearings can be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom, and you have the option to request a translator if needed by calling (215) 686-4343 at least 5 days in advance.

Optional: File a First Level Review (FLR) with the Office of Property Assessment by September 1, 2026. This is an informal, free review process conducted entirely through document submission without a hearing. You can file online at property.phila.gov or by mail.

Download the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT) Appeal Application from the BRT website at phila.gov or pick up a form in person at 601 Walnut Street, Suite 325 East.

Complete the appeal application including your property address, OPA account number (found on your tax bill), your contact information, and the value you believe is correct. Attach any supporting documentation such as comparable sales, photos, recent appraisals, or evidence of property defects.

File your completed appeal by email to appealinquiry@phila.gov, by mail, or in person at the BRT office by October 5, 2026. The BRT recommends filing by email or in person (not mail) so you have proof of timely filing. Do not send duplicates.

Wait for your hearing notice. The BRT will send notice of your hearing date, time, and location approximately 45-90 days in advance. Hearings are quasi-formal proceedings before a hearing officer where you present your evidence.

Attend your hearing (in-person or remote) and present your evidence. Bring comparable sales data, photographs, professional appraisals, repair estimates, or other documentation supporting your claimed value. Most residential owners handle BRT hearings without attorney representation.

Receive the BRT's written decision. If you disagree with the BRT decision, you can appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days, and subsequently to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.

If granted a reduction, your new assessment will apply to the tax year for which you appealed (2027 for appeals filed in 2026). The reduction does not apply retroactively to prior years.

Required form: Board of Revision of Taxes Appeal Application (available on BRT website)

Filing Methods

email:Email PDF form to appealinquiry@phila.gov

mail:Board of Revision of Taxes, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 325 East, Philadelphia, PA 19106

in-person:601 Walnut Street, Suite 325 East, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales (recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood)Professional appraisal (recommended for commercial properties, optional for residential)Photographs (front, side, rear, and street views showing property condition)Repair estimates or contractor invoices (for properties with defects or needed repairs)Property characteristic documentation (proof of incorrect square footage, number of rooms, etc.)Income and expense statements (required for commercial and multi-family properties for the past 2 years)

Philadelphia County Assessor Contact

Office of Property Assessment

Phone: (215) 686-4334

Address: Municipal Services Building, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Website: https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-property-assessment/

Online Portal: https://property.phila.gov

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Philadelphia County

Homestead Exemption

$100,000 reduction in assessed value (saves approximately $1,399 annually)

Reduces the taxable portion of your property's assessed value if you own and occupy the property as your primary residence

Eligibility: Property owners who live in the property as their primary residence. No age or income requirements. Cannot claim if property is used for business/rent or receives a tax abatement.Deadline: December 1 annually (recommended to apply by October 1 for timely processing)

Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption

100% exemption (full elimination of property taxes)

Provides complete exemption from real estate taxes for qualifying disabled veterans

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans who are Pennsylvania residents, have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA (or are blind, paraplegic, or lost two or more limbs due to military service), served during wartime or received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and demonstrate financial need. Unremarried surviving spouses also qualify.Deadline: Rolling (contact Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission to apply)

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

$380 to $1,000 (based on income level; Philadelphia residents may qualify for supplemental rebates up to $1,500 total)

State-funded rebate program providing cash rebates to eligible seniors and people with disabilities on property taxes paid in the prior year

Eligibility: Pennsylvania residents age 65+, widows/widowers age 50+, or people with disabilities age 18+, with household income of $48,110 or less (half of Social Security income excluded). Must reapply annually.Deadline: December 31, 2026 (for taxes paid in 2025)

Philadelphia County Appeal Statistics

Success Rate

over 50%

Philadelphia County Appeal Packet · $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Philadelphia County?

The deadline to file a property tax appeal in Philadelphia County for the 2027 tax year is October 5, 2026, which is the first Monday in October. This is a firm, state-imposed deadline that applies to all property owners regardless of when they receive their assessment notice. Late submissions are typically not accepted unless you file a nunc pro tunc petition demonstrating extraordinary circumstances beyond your control. Property owners are strongly encouraged to file well before the deadline to ensure timely submission, especially if filing by mail.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Philadelphia County online or by email?

While there is no fully online filing portal, Philadelphia County accepts appeals by email, which is the recommended method. Download the Board of Revision of Taxes Appeal Application from the BRT website at phila.gov/departments/board-of-revision-of-taxes, complete it as a PDF, and email it to appealinquiry@phila.gov by the October 5, 2026 deadline. The BRT recommends email or in-person filing over mail submission because it provides proof that you filed on time. Do not send duplicate submissions. You can also file a First Level Review with the Office of Property Assessment online at property.phila.gov by September 1, 2026 as an optional informal review before or instead of filing with the BRT.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Philadelphia County?

The Philadelphia Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable portion of your property assessment by $100,000 if you own and occupy the home as your primary residence. Starting in 2025, most homeowners save approximately $1,399 per year on their real estate tax bill with this exemption. There are no age or income requirements, and once approved you never need to reapply unless your deed changes. The deadline to apply is December 1 each year, though applying by October 1 is recommended. You can apply online through the Philadelphia Tax Center, by calling (215) 686-9200, or by mailing the application to the Department of Revenue.

What happens at a Board of Revision of Taxes hearing in Philadelphia County?

After filing your appeal, the Board of Revision of Taxes will send you a notice approximately 45 to 90 days in advance with your hearing date, time, and location. The hearing is a quasi-formal proceeding before a hearing officer where you present evidence supporting your claimed property value. You should bring comparable sales data showing similar properties that sold for less, photographs of your property showing its condition, professional appraisals if available, and any documentation of property defects or incorrect characteristics. The hearing can be conducted in-person at the BRT office or remotely via Zoom. Most residential property owners handle these hearings without attorney representation, though you may hire one if desired. If you need a translator, call (215) 686-4343 at least 5 days before your hearing.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Philadelphia County?

The amount you can save depends on how much your assessment is reduced. With Philadelphia's effective tax rate of approximately 0.84% to 1.40% (varying by school district), every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves you approximately $84 to $140 per year in property taxes. For example, if your home is assessed at $250,000 but comparable sales show it should be valued at $225,000, a successful appeal reducing your assessment by $25,000 would save you approximately $210 to $350 annually, or $2,100 to $3,500 over 10 years. According to available data, over 50% of appeals in Philadelphia result in a reduction, making the appeal process worthwhile if you have strong evidence that your property is overassessed.

What evidence do I need for a Philadelphia County property tax appeal?

The strongest evidence for a Philadelphia property tax appeal includes recent comparable sales of similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessment, preferably within the past 6-12 months. You should also provide clear photographs showing the front, side, rear, and street views of your property to document its condition. If your property has defects, damage, or needed repairs, bring contractor estimates or invoices showing repair costs. A professional appraisal from a Pennsylvania-certified appraiser is highly recommended for commercial properties and helpful for residential properties, though not required. Additionally, if the Office of Property Assessment has incorrect information about your property's square footage, number of bathrooms, lot size, or other characteristics, provide documentation proving the correct details such as building plans, survey maps, or prior appraisals.

Can I appeal my property taxes if I just bought my home in Philadelphia County?

Yes, you can appeal your property taxes even if you recently purchased your home in Philadelphia County. In fact, if you bought your property after October 1st but before December 31st, you have a special provision allowing you to file an appeal within 30 days of the execution of your Agreement of Sale for the following tax year. For purchases at other times, you can file a regular appeal by the annual October deadline. Be aware that the School District of Philadelphia often initiates appeals on recently sold properties based on the sale price, which could increase your assessment. If you believe your assessment is higher than your purchase price or doesn't reflect the property's true condition (such as needed repairs that weren't apparent during purchase), you should file an appeal with supporting documentation.

What is the difference between a First Level Review and a Board of Revision of Taxes appeal in Philadelphia?

A First Level Review (FLR) is an optional informal appeal process handled directly by the Office of Property Assessment, with a deadline of September 1, 2026. It's free, conducted entirely through document submission without a hearing, and allows the OPA to correct factual errors or reconsider valuations based on your evidence. You can file online at property.phila.gov or by mail. A Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT) appeal is a formal quasi-judicial proceeding with a deadline of October 5, 2026, involving filing a petition, attending a hearing, and presenting evidence to a hearing officer. You do not need to complete the FLR before filing a BRT appeal, and many homeowners file both simultaneously to preserve all options. If the BRT deadline is approaching while waiting for an FLR response, file the BRT appeal anyway, you can withdraw it later if the FLR produces a satisfactory result.

Official Resources

Philadelphia Office of Property Assessment →

Official OPA website with assessment information, exemption applications, and First Level Review forms.

Board of Revision of Taxes - Appeal Forms →

Download official BRT appeal forms and instructions for filing a formal property tax appeal.

Philadelphia Property Search →

Look up your property's current assessment, characteristics, tax history, and apply for exemptions online.

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue - Property Tax/Rent Rebate →

Apply for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for seniors and people with disabilities.

For state-wide appeal information including Pennsylvania's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Pennsylvania Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Pennsylvania Counties

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)Bucks County (Doylestown)Chester County (West Chester)Columbia County (Bloomsburg)Cumberland County (Carlisle)Delaware County (Media)

← All Pennsylvania property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-property-assessment/ | https://www.phila.gov/departments/board-of-revision-of-taxes/ | https://www.phila.gov/documents/property-assessment-appeal-documents-and-forms/ | https://propertytaxrates.org/counties/pennsylvania/philadelphia-county/ | https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-property-assessment/tax-exemptions-and-abatements/ | https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/ptrr

Last verified: 2026-07-25