In the coming weeks, Philadelphia homeowners will start receiving new property assessment notices in the mail, and for most, the number inside will be higher than the last citywide revaluation more than two years ago. WHYY's latest reporting lays out exactly what residents need to know before those bills arrive next March.
- Homeowners have two free appeal options that do not require an attorney, an informal First Level Review with the Office of Property Assessment, and a formal appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes, with a state-imposed deadline of October 5 for the formal route
- The most popular relief program, the homestead exemption, allows eligible homeowners to reduce their property's taxable value by $100,000 regardless of income
- The Longtime Owner Occupants Program caps assessment increases for qualifying long-term homeowners, while Senior Citizen and Low-Income Real Estate Tax Freeze programs allow eligible residents to permanently freeze their tax bill
- A homeowner cannot be enrolled in both the homestead exemption and LOOP simultaneously, making it worth understanding which program offers more benefit given individual circumstances
Whether you plan to appeal, apply for relief, or simply want to understand what is coming, it is worth reading the full breakdown before that envelope from the city shows up.
By: Aaron Moselle | WHYY | June 22, 2026
