What is the Philadelphia Homestead Exemption, and am I missing it?

Am I missing it?

The exemption isn't automatic. To check whether your home already has it, look up your address. The lookup reads the city's property records and shows whether the exemption is on your property.

Who can get it

You can get it on a property you own and live in as your primary residence. You still qualify if you have a mortgage, if you're a new homeowner, or if you're behind on your taxes.

A home with a residential tax abatement can't get it until the abatement expires. The city also offers a conditional exemption to some people whose name isn't on the deed, for example someone who inherited the house from a relative who died.

Note: you can't have the Homestead Exemption and LOOP at the same time.

When to apply

The final deadline is December 1 of each year. Apply by October 1 to see the exemption on your Real Estate Tax bill. If you're approved after October 1, the city sends a second bill with the adjusted amount.

Once the city accepts your application, you don't reapply unless your deed changes, for example when you refinance or add or remove a co-owner. If the exemption amount changes, you get the new amount without reapplying.

How to apply

Apply online through the Philadelphia Tax Center, where you don't need a username or password, or apply by phone or by mail. The city's Homestead page has the application, the hotline number and the mailing address.