PHILADELPHIA — City Council voted yesterday to approve Bill No. 250174, introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and Councilmember Rue Landau, which extends the enrollment deadline for the City of Philadelphia’s low-income property tax freeze to September 30th. The bill now heads to the Mayor Parker’s desk before becoming law, but residents can already apply for the tax freeze under the extended deadline.
“By making sure low-income homeowners can afford their tax bills, we invest in their ability to remain in our neighborhoods – where they can continue to shop, dine, and work on our commercial corridors, steward our neighborhoods and public spaces, and reinforce their block’s sense of community,” said Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District).
Councilmember Rue Landau (At-Large) said, “I’ve been by Councilmember Gauthier’s side since she introduced this legislation, because it’s work that I’ve seen the impact of firsthand. As a housing attorney, I have seen how difficult rising property taxes can make putting food on the table, buying essentials, and simply staying housed. By locking in property taxes at an affordable rate, we’re not just offering financial relief; we’re giving homeowners the ability to stay in their homes and their neighborhoods.”
“The Low-Income Tax Freeze provides crucial protections from Sheriff Sales and long-term savings to vulnerable homeowners,” said Revenue Commissioner Kathleen McColgan. “By extending the deadline, we have more time to connect with eligible homeowners and make a lasting impact on their lives. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with City Council and community partners to expand our reach.”
Moving the enrollment deadline for the low-income property tax freeze to September standardizes tax relief enrollment, making it easier for homeowners to access money saving programs. Seniors and low-income homeowners are particularly vulnerable to gentrification. The low-income tax relief program helps keep this population rooted.
Eligible homeowners in Philadelphia can apply online for the low-income property tax freeze via the Philadelphia Tax Center, by mail, or in-person at one of the city’s services centers. Proof of income is required. Once enrolled, homeowners will have their property tax bill reset to their 2024 amount and will be refunded or forgiven
The current “low-income” eligibility maximum is about $33,500 per year for a single-person household and $41,500 for married taxpayers.
Jonathan Sgro, Supervising Attorney at Community Legal Services said, “CLS is so grateful to City Council, especially Councilmembers Gauthier and Landau, for championing this vital program that protects our most vulnerable homeowners from rising taxes and the risk of displacement. As property taxes and other housing costs continue to rise, we must ensure that all eligible homeowners can access this program. Bill No. 250174 does that by giving homeowners more time to enroll in the program so they can freeze their tax bills at an affordable amount and remain in their homes.”
The City of Philadelphia’s low-income property tax freeze program was written by Councilmember Gauthier and made Philadelphia the first municipality to utilize a state law written by State Rep. Jared Solomon permitting local tax authorities to provide refunds or forgiveness of real estate taxes to low-income taxpayers.
Ana Martinez, a homeowner enrolled in the low-income property tax freeze, said, “In 2018, the City’s assessed value for my home was $173,000. Since then, the assessment has more than doubled. In 2025, my tax bill would have increased by another $1,000. But thanks to the tax freeze program, my tax bill is frozen at the 2024 amount and I can still afford to live my home. Talk about peace of mind, sleeping well, looking at my house and saying this is my home and I do not have to fear anyone taking it from me.”
Eric Gray, a homeowner enrolled in the low-income property tax freeze, said, “The low income tax freeze was the best piece of information I received in 2025. Stopping my tax bill from increasing will definitely keep my home in the family.”
By the previous February enrollment deadline, 2,485 homeowners had successfully enrolled out of the estimated 62,000 that are eligible.
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