Philadelphia County Property Tax Appeal — Pennsylvania

Rob Hartley·Updated February 15, 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 median home value of $182,300 and an effective property tax rate of 1.20%, homeowners face a tax burden that is significantly higher than the national rate of 1.02%, though still lower than Pennsylvania's state median of 2.81%. The county's unique position as a major urban center combines historic neighborhoods with modern development, making property values and tax assessments particularly important for residents.

Notable cities: Philadelphia

Median Home

$182,300

Tax Rate

1.20%

Annual Tax

$1,943

Population

1.6 million

2026 Appeal Deadline: October 6, 2026

The deadline to file a 2026 market value appeal is October 6, 2026 (first Monday in October). This is a firm deadline and late submissions are typically not accepted.

Property in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Philadelphia County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Office of Property Assessment (OPA)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May

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 $182,300 (the county median), at Pennsylvania's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $182,300, resulting in approximately $2,551 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.3998%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Assessment Appeals. Hearings are scheduled within 90-120 days of filing and can be attended in person or remotely via Zoom. Property owners should present evidence supporting their proposed value.

Step 1: Review your property assessment notice and gather evidence such as recent comparable sales, photos of property condition, or documentation of errors in property characteristics

Step 2: Consider filing a First Level Review with the Office of Property Assessment for an informal review before proceeding to the formal appeal

Step 3: Complete the Board of Revision of Taxes appeal application form and attach all supporting documentation including appraisals, comparable sales data, and property photos

Step 4: File your appeal by October 6, 2026 via email, mail, or in-person at the BRT office during business hours

Step 5: Attend your scheduled hearing before the Board of Revision of Taxes either in person or via Zoom (link provided in hearing notice)

Step 6: If unsatisfied with the BRT decision, appeal to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas within 30 days

Required form: Board of Revision of Taxes Appeal Application

Filing Methods

email:Email the completed PDF form to appealinquiry@https://phila.gov

in-person:Submit at 601 Walnut St. Suite 325 E. Philadelphia, PA 19106, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

mail:Mail to Board of Revision of Taxes, 601 Walnut St. Suite 325 E. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable salesProperty photos (front, side, rear, and street view)Professional appraisal reportDocumentation of property errors

Philadelphia County Assessor Contact

Office of Property Assessment

Phone: (215) 686-4334

Address: 1 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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

Online Portal: https://www.phila.gov/services/property-lots-housing/property-taxes/appeal-a-property-assessment/

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Tax Exemptions in Philadelphia County

Homestead Exemption

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

Reduces the taxable assessment of your primary residence by $100,000

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residenceDeadline: December 1 annually

Senior Citizen Tax Freeze

Prevents any tax increases

Freezes property taxes to prevent increases for eligible seniors

Eligibility: Must be 65 or older and meet income requirementsDeadline: Contact Department of Revenue for specific deadlines

Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption

100% exemption

Provides complete real estate tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans

Eligibility: Must be 100% service-connected disabled, honorably discharged, PA resident with financial needDeadline: No specific deadline - apply anytime

Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP)

Caps assessment increases

Limits assessment increases for longtime residents

Eligibility: Must have lived in home 10+ years, income under $96,350 (single), and experienced 50%+ assessment increaseDeadline: September 30 annually

Official Resources

Philadelphia Office of Property Assessment →

Official website for property assessments, exemptions, and abatement programs in Philadelphia.

Board of Revision of Taxes Appeal Forms →

Download official appeal forms and find instructions for filing property tax appeals.

Philadelphia Tax Center →

Pay property taxes online, check your balance, and apply for exemptions.

Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program →

State program offering additional property tax relief for seniors and disabled residents.

Check Your Philadelphia County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Philadelphia County property is overassessed.

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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 6, 2026, which is the first Monday in October. This is a firm deadline that applies to all property owners regardless of when they receive their assessment notice. Late submissions are typically not accepted, so it's crucial to file your appeal before this date. You can file your appeal by email to appealinquiry@https://phila.gov, by mail, or in person at the Board of Revision of Taxes office at 601 Walnut Street, Suite 325 E.

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

While Philadelphia County doesn't have a fully online filing system, you can file your appeal electronically by emailing the completed PDF appeal form to appealinquiry@https://phila.gov. First, download the Board of Revision of Taxes appeal application from the city's website, complete it with all required information, and attach supporting documentation such as comparable sales data, property photos, and any appraisal reports. The BRT office recommends not sending duplicate submissions. After filing, you'll receive a hearing notice with instructions for attending either in person or via Zoom.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Philadelphia County?

The homestead exemption in Philadelphia County reduces your property's taxable assessment by $100,000, which saves most homeowners approximately $1,399 per year on their real estate tax bill starting in 2026. To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence. Once approved, you never need to reapply unless there's a deed change, such as during refinancing or adding a co-owner. The application deadline is December 1 each year, and you can apply online through the Philadelphia Tax Center, by calling(215) 686-9200, or by mail.

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

At a Board of Revision of Taxes hearing in Philadelphia County, you'll present your case for why your property assessment should be reduced. Hearings are scheduled within 90-120 days of filing your appeal and can be attended in person at 601 Walnut Street or remotely via Zoom. You should bring evidence such as recent comparable sales, professional appraisals, photos showing your property's condition, and documentation of any errors in the assessment records. The Board will review your evidence and make a determination. If you disagree with their decision, you have 30 days to appeal to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

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

The amount you can save through a successful property tax appeal in Philadelphia County depends on how much your assessment is reduced. With the county's total tax rate of 1.3998%, every $10,000 reduction in your assessed value saves you approximately $140 per year. For example, if your appeal reduces your assessment from $250,000 to $200,000, you would save about $700 annually. Since properties in Philadelphia have seen significant value increases recently, many homeowners who successfully appeal see substantial savings that continue year after year until the next reassessment.

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

For a successful property tax appeal in Philadelphia County, you'll need strong evidence supporting your proposed value. Essential evidence includes recent sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood (ideally within the last 6-12 months), a professional appraisal report prepared by a Pennsylvania-certified appraiser, and photographs showing your property from all angles (front, side, rear, and street view). You should also document any errors in the property records, such as incorrect square footage or room counts, and provide evidence of any condition issues like needed repairs. The Board of Revision of Taxes specifically requests that commercial property owners also submit rent rolls and income/expense statements for the past two years.

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 that allows you to file an appeal within 30 days of the execution of your Agreement of Sale. Additionally, be aware that the School District of Philadelphia often initiates appeals on recently sold properties based on the sale price. If you believe your assessment is higher than your purchase price or doesn't reflect the property's true condition, you should file an appeal by the October 6, 2026 deadline for the 2027 tax year.

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)Delaware County (Upper Darby)Montgomery County (Norristown)

← All Pennsylvania property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.phila.gov/departments/board-of-revision-of-taxes/ | https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-property-assessment/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/pennsylvania/philadelphia-county | https://smartasset.com/taxes/pennsylvania-property-tax-calculator

Last verified: 2026-02-15