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Philadelphia County's assessment ratio means effective tax rates are low — but incorrect appraisals still cost money. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I appeal my Philadelphia property tax assessment?
You have two options. First, request a First Level Review (FLR) from the OPA — an informal process where you can submit photos, recent appraisals, or information about your property. Second, file a formal appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT) at 601 Walnut Street, Suite 325E. The BRT deadline is the first Monday in October each year — October 5, 2026 for the 2027 tax year. You can do both or go directly to the BRT. Call OPA at 215-686-9200 or BRT at 215-686-4343. Ownwell can manage the process and only charges if you save.
What is Philadelphia's Homestead Exemption and how do I get it?
The Homestead Exemption reduces your home's assessed value by $100,000, saving most homeowners approximately $1,399 per year. There are no age or income requirements — any Philadelphia homeowner who lives in their property can apply. Apply once at tax-services.phila.gov and you never need to reapply unless the deed changes. If your home is assessed at $100,000 or less, the exemption effectively eliminates your property tax bill.
What is LOOP and who should use it instead of the Homestead Exemption?
LOOP (Longtime Owner Occupants Program) caps your assessed value after experiencing an increase of at least 50% in one year (or 75% over five years). You must have owned and lived in the property for at least 10 years and meet income requirements. LOOP and the Homestead Exemption cannot be combined — use the calculator at the Philadelphia Tax Center to compare which saves you more. Once you leave LOOP, you cannot re-enroll later, so evaluate carefully before switching to Homestead.
Where do I file for probate in Philadelphia?
The Register of Wills at City Hall, Room 180, 215-686-6250. The Register probates wills, issues letters testamentary and letters of administration, and acts as the Commonwealth's inheritance tax collection agent. Philadelphia has no state estate tax but Pennsylvania does have an inheritance tax — rates range from 0% for spouses to 4.5% for children, 12% for siblings, and 15% for all others. Taxes paid within three months of death receive a 5% discount.
What makes Philadelphia's government structure unique?
Philadelphia is a fully consolidated city-county government — the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia County are the same entity since 1854. There are no county commissioners, no county executive separate from the Mayor, and no separate county administration. Every city department serves county functions. This means that when Philadelphia residents interact with city government, they are simultaneously interacting with county government. Services like property assessment, courts, probate, and elections are all administered by city departments.
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