Skyline with cyclist on South Street Bridge riding towards University City , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

About The Commission

In February 2024, Philadelphia City Council approved Resolution #240108 to reconvene the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission. The Commission has been charged with conducting a comprehensive analysis of Philadelphia’s tax structure, including state-imposed taxes, and providing recommendations on reforms to make it more inclusive, equitable, and growth-oriented.

Originally formed in 2002, the Commission’s last report was issued in 2003. With changing economic conditions and evolving fiscal challenges, this renewed effort includes an evaluation of past recommendations and exploration of new reforms for potential implementation in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and beyond.

The 15-member Commission includes four members appointed by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker; four by Council President Johnson; one by City Controller Christy Brady; and one by each of the six local Chambers of Commerce in Philadelphia. The resolution was introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas and sponsored by Council President Johnson.

Interim Report

The Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission released its interim report on Feb. 25, 2025 with priority recommendations to eliminate the BIRT tax burden, lower the wage tax rate to less than 3% to attract residents and jobs, and make targeted investments to supercharge business and job growth. The report, entitled “Jumpstarting Jobs: A Report on Investing in Tax Reform and Inclusive Strategies for a Thriving Philadelphia,” recommends strategies to make the city regionally and nationally competitive and ensure Philadelphia’s long-term prosperity. 

Read the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission's Interim Report

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