READ AND PASSED

The enacted ordinance changed Philadelphia’s real estate tax rules for tax year 2014 when a residential property’s assessed value was under timely appeal. Property owners who paid at least the prior year’s tax by March 31 could avoid additions, interest, and penalties while the appeal was pending, and the Department could not bill more than the prior year’s tax during that period. Any remaining balance had to be paid within 30 days after the appeal’s final decision to avoid those charges.

Amending Section 19-1303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Discounts and Additions to Tax," by tolling additions, interest and penalties when the assessed value of property is under appeal; limiting what the Department can bill for tax years under appeal; and requiring for the tax year under appeal payment of an amount at least equal to the prior year's tax; all under certain terms and conditions.