Just Bought a House? Here's How to Get the Homestead Exemption

If you’ve just bought a primary residence in Philadelphia, you are eligible for the Homestead Exemption (as long as you don’t have a tax abatement or other tax savings program). However, we’ve seen some homeowners get ‘denied’ the Homestead Exemption because the City has been slow to record the updated deed so the City tax websites will still show the previous owners’ name(s). If you visit property.phila.gov, type in your address to the search bar and don’t see your name as the owner then here is what you can do to ensure you qualify for the Homestead Exemption (and to update the City records).

  1. Locate a copy of the deed from your title docs at settlement. If we represented you on your home purchase then we can help you get a copy of the correct documents.

  2. Bring the deed to the Revenue Department at 1401 JFK Blvd. When you get to 1401 JFK, the entrance is on the south side of the building. You will take the escalators down to the Department of Revenue/Tax area where you can sign in on the kiosks to get a place in line. At the kiosk, you want to click on the option for 'tax professional'.

  3. You can also sign up for the homestead exemption in person at 1401 JFK Blvd, but only if you have an ID with the new house address on it. Since you may not have that in time for the October 1st homestead exemption deadline, all you need to do is get the owner name updated at 1401 JFK and then you can just apply for the exemption online (no ID w/ address needed to do so). We have the instructions on how to apply online here. 

James 'Right' Price