There are many ways to file and pay taxes to the City of Philadelphia.
Usually, you’ll file and pay taxes at the same time. Sometimes, you may need to file a return without making a payment. For example, if you’re self-employed and your business loses money for the year, you might not owe any taxes. But, you are still required to file business tax returns.
This page includes instructions for filing and paying taxes through each method.
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Ways to file City taxes
File online
Filing City taxes electronically on the Philadelphia Tax Center is easier and minimizes errors. We require some taxes to be filed online. You must eFile the following taxes:
- Amusement Tax
- Liquor Tax
- Hotel Tax
- Mechanical Amusement Tax (previously called Coin Operated Tax)
- Outdoor Advertising Tax
- Parking Tax
- Philadelphia Beverage Tax (PBT)
- Tobacco Tax
- Use and Occupancy (U&O) Tax
- Valet Parking Tax
- Vehicle Rental Tax
- Wage Tax
If you need to file 1099 or W-2 forms, you can also upload them to the Tax Center. Learn how in our Tax Center guide.
File with Modernized e-Filing (MeF)
You can use the IRS Modernized e-Filing program to file three taxes. This service is available for the following taxes:
- Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT)
- Net Profits Tax (NPT)
- School Income Tax (SIT)
To learn more, visit Modernized e-Filing for City taxes.
File with paper returns
You can only file the following taxes using paper returns:
- Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT)
- Net Profits Tax (NPT)
- School Income Tax (SIT)
- Earnings Tax (ERN)
To file by paper, download the form for the appropriate tax. You must select the correct of the form, or your return will not process correctly. Then, complete and submit the form according to the instructions. You can also learn more about filing each tax on that tax’s webpage.
Ways to pay City taxes
You can find detailed payment instructions on each tax’s webpage. This section is for general reference.
Pay online
You can pay all Philadelphia taxes through the Philadelphia Tax Center.
You can either log into your Tax Center account, or pay as a guest without a username and password. To pay as a guest, follow the “Make a payment” link and follow the on-screen prompts. KUBRA EZ-PAY is the payment processor for payments made online to the City.
Pay with eCheck or credit/debit card
You can pay taxes by eCheck, checking or savings account, credit or debit card on the Philadelphia Tax Center. You will need a bank or routing information to pay with eCheck. You will be redirected to our vendor’s website to complete payment if you are paying with a debit or credit card.
When you pay by eCheck, processing is free. Fees apply for payments by credit or debit card. This fee is collected by the payment processing vendor, not by the City.
| Payment category | Account types | Processing fee |
|---|---|---|
| Debit card | Most debit card providers (PULSE, STAR, NYCE…) | $3.45 |
| Credit card | VISA, Master Card, Discover, American Express, Diners Club | 2.10% ($1.50 minimum) |
| eCheck | Checking and savings | FREE |
| Bounced or returned eCheck | Checking and savings | $5 |
Pay through Modernized e-Filing (MeF)
If you file your City taxes through Modernized e-Filing, you can also send your payment through the approved software packages.
MeF allows you to schedule your payment for any date before the tax’s due date.
Pay by mail
If you received a bill in the mail, return the attached payment coupon along with a check or money order. Write the tax type and your account number on your check.
Use the mailing address provided on the bill or check the webpage for the specific tax you’re paying.
You can print a payment voucher on the Philadelphia Tax Center without a username and password.
Pay in person
You can pay by check or money order at any of our customer service locations. Only the Municipal Services Building in Center City accepts cash. Fees apply for in-person payments. A $20 fee apply for bounced checks (Code 19-509(7)).
You can schedule an appointment at the Municipal Services Building (MSB) to pay taxes and fees in person. Our Northeast Philadelphia office is also open. Our North Philadelphia office remains closed.
Pay by phone
Call (833) 913-0795 to pay the Real Estate Tax over the phone. The same payment methods and fees as online payment apply. This automated system is available in English and Spanish. Payment by phone powered by KUBRA EZ-PAY.
Get help with tax accounts and payments
For questions about your account
- For general and business tax questions, call (215) 686-6600.
- For Real Estate Tax questions, call (215) 686-6442.
Videos about tax types and online filing
To learn more about different tax types, filing options, and payments, visit the Department of Revenue’s YouTube channel.