Money and Bills
Homestead Exemption
Verified · October 23, 2026 Deadline soon — check dates
The Homestead Exemption lowers the Real Estate Tax bill for people who own and live in their Philadelphia home by reducing the taxable portion of the property’s assessed value by $100,000. Starting in 2025, most homeowners save up to $1,399 a year on their Real Estate Tax bill. Once the City accepts your application, you never have to reapply unless your deed changes.
- Organization
- City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue
- Who qualifies
- You own your Philadelphia home and live in it as your primary residence. You are still eligible if you have a mortgage, even if you are a new homeowner, or are delinquent on your taxes. Property owners with a 10-year residential tax abatement are not eligible; you may apply after the abatement expires, or remove the abatement to get the exemption. A conditional Homestead Exemption, granted for up to three years from the date of application, may be available if your name is not on the deed because of a tangled title, such as inheriting the house from a deceased relative, a fraudulent mortgage or deed, or a rent-to-own agreement.
- Income limits
- No income limit is stated on the City's program page.
- Documents needed
- No documents are listed for the standard application on the City's program page. For a conditional (tangled title) exemption, you must submit a paper application with your name on it, marked 'Tangled Title' at the top; a completed and signed Homestead Affidavit; and two forms of identification or proof of address showing your name and the property address, such as a government-issued photo ID, valid U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, government employee photo ID, utility bills from within the last six months (PGW, Water, PECO, or cable), voter registration, a lease or rent-to-own agreement, or a mortgage agreement.
- How to apply
- Apply online using the Homestead Exemption application on the Philadelphia Tax Center; you do not need to create a username and password. Apply by phone by calling the Homestead Hotline at 215-686-9200. Or apply by mail with the Homestead Exemption application sent to City of Philadelphia, Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 52817, Philadelphia, PA 19115. The final deadline to apply is December 1 of each year; early filers should apply by October 1 to see the benefit reflected on their Real Estate Tax bill.
- Last verified
- October 23, 2026
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