The Real Estate Tax Installment Plan is for low-income taxpayers and all senior citizens (regardless of income) who own and live in their home. If eligible, you can pay your current-year Real Estate Tax in monthly installments.
Applying for the plan
You can apply online at the Philadelphia Tax Center. You don’t need a username and password to apply for Real Estate Tax assistance programs online. Learn more in the Tax Center guide.
To apply by paper, you must complete and mail in the current-year installment plan application, including all required information. Applications must be received by March 31, 2024.
This application is for new applicants only.
Automatic re-enrollment
If you make all required monthly payments, you are automatically enrolled in the installment plan for the following year, unless you did not pay your taxes in full.
As of 2023, participants who are automatically re-enrolled have 11 payments, from February through December. The department no longer mails coupon books, but instead now sends a monthly bill.
Failing to pay on time
You can now make all your payments online on the Philadelphia Tax Center, using the payment voucher attached to your bill or any other of the payment methods accepted by the Department of Revenue.
If you don’t make your monthly payment, your tax balance will be considered in default. If this happens, you will be removed from the installment plan program and all taxes, including “additions” (interest and charges added to the original tax amount), will be due at that time.
Senior citizen eligibility
All senior citizens in Philadelphia are eligible for the program, regardless of income. To be eligible for this program as a senior citizen, you must be at least 65 years old, or have a spouse who lives in the same household who is at least 65 years old. You must provide a proof of age.
Low-income eligibility
To be eligible as a low-income taxpayer, your household’s total yearly income must be lower than the amounts listed below. If it is higher, you’re not eligible for this program.
| Family size | Yearly max household income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $40,150 |
| 2 people | $45,900 |
| 3 people | $51,650 |
| 4 people | $57,350 |
| 5 people | $61,950 |
| 6 people | $66,550 |
| 7 people | $71,150 |
| 8 people | $75,750 |
Changes that affect your eligibility
Any change to your deed or an increase in income above the eligibility requirements will terminate the installment plan. You must notify us of any changes as a requirement to your participation in the installment plan. Income requirements are also detailed in the program application.