Did you notice a credit on your Philadelphia water account and wonder how to get a refund? If so, this blog post addresses that question head-on. Keep reading to learn how you can get your credit balance refunded.

Paying your water bill helps keep clean, fresh water flowing into Philadelphia homes and businesses. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) serves over a million customers in Philadelphia. The Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) handles all billing and collection functions for water and sewer charges, while PWD is responsible for delivering reliable, high-quality water to residents and businesses.

Requesting a refund

It is possible for some customers to see a credit balance due to an overpayment, while others may receive a credit after an internal adjustment to their accounts. Customers may also qualify for credits if they made duplicate payments or a Tax Review Board (TRB) hearing ended in a settlement. You can choose to get the credit refunded or put it towards your upcoming bill.

Customers preferring a refund can easily request one by completing and faxing this General Refund Petition to (215) 686 6228 or mailing it to:

City of Philadelphia
Department of Revenue
P.O. BOX 53360
Philadelphia, PA 19105

Be ready to share your Social Security Number or EIN, phone number, and any associated documents, such as proof of payment or settlement paperwork (if applicable). You should also include your name, mailing address, property address, water account number, and the credit amount for which you seek a refund.

When you submit

When we receive your refund request, we will review it. The normal processing time is six to ten weeks. Be aware that we can only provide status updates on refund requests once we have accepted a submission. If approved, we will mail a check to the address on file. Make sure we have your correct address in our records.

You can appeal to the Tax Review Board if your refund request is denied. This must be done within 90 days of receiving a denial notice. Philadelphia residents and businesses can petition the TRB for a hearing if they disagree with a tax or water bill or a service decision, including denied refund petitions.

Need additional information or help with a water bill refund petition? Please email us at refund.unit@phila.gov.