3 On Your Side: Philly Property Tax Assistance Programs
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's the time of year when many of us have taxes on our minds. Not only income taxes, but real estate taxes too. Philadelphia sent out its property tax bills weeks ago. If you're unable to pay, in some cases 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan finds there are assistance programs that may be able to help you.
"We want people to stay in their homes. We want them to do that without the anxiety of being a tax delinquent," says Philadelphia Revenue Commissioner Clarena Tolson. Tolson and her team are trying to get the word out about Philadelphia tax assistance programs that can help.
For instance 18,000 Philadelphia senior citizens have already signed up for the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Program. Senior citizens who live in and own their home can save money by having their real estate taxes "frozen" so that they will not increase in the future. The program is based on age and income and according to Commissioner Tolson, "That tax relief freezes their taxes at the current year's rate and it will not increase as long as the senior citizen stays in their home."
The Tax Installment Program allows seniors, regardless of income, to pay annual taxes in monthly installments.
The Tax Deferral Program is income based and allows all residents, regardless of age, who own and occupy their homes and whose real estate taxes have increased significantly, to postpone payment of the increased amount that's above 15%. payment on the excess amount can be deferred until transfer or sale of the property.
While the Owner-Occupied Real Estate Payment Agreement Program allows homeowners who occupy their homes to make monthly payments on back taxes. payments are based on household income and family size.
The City is encouraging people to apply, otherwise according to Commissioner Tolson, "They're losing out. They're leaving money on the table, and quite frankly they are adding a stress level to their life that's not necessary."
You can apply for these programs by calling 215-686-6442 or online at http://www.phila.gov/revenue.
