Councilwoman Cindy Bass (8th District) introduced Thursday a bill to provide for tax amnesty and delinquent tax repayment plans for Philadelphians with delinquent taxes owed between 2009 and 2019.
Under the bill, tax delinquent individuals who are able to pay the full principal amount owed will have all interest and penalties waived. Tax delinquent individuals who are unable to pay the full principal amount owed will have penalties waived and interest lowered, and be enrolled into a repayment program with the Department of Revenue.
According to current Revenue Department figures, Philadelphia is owed more than $150 million in collectible delinquent tax revenue. Taxes eligible for the tax amnesty program include:
- Amusement tax
- Parking tax
- Real estate tax
- Realty transfer tax
- Wage and net profits tax
- Net income tax
- Realty use and occupancy tax
- Liquor sales tax
- Hotel room rental tax
- Business privilege tax
- Vehicle rental tax
“This amnesty program closely resembles tax amnesty initiatives employed by the City of Philadelphia in the past. That is how I know that this is something we can do, and must do, if we want to see a more financially healthy City,” Councilwoman Bass said.
The bill was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson, Jannie Blackwell, David Oh, Curtis Jones, Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Derek Green and Al Taubenberger. The bill will be heard in the Council Committee on Finance.
