PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia property owners face a critical year-end deadline that could carry costly consequences if ignored, with city officials urging residents and business owners to settle outstanding real estate taxes and trash fees before December 31.
The City says any unpaid 2025 Real Estate Tax bills must be paid by the end of the year to avoid deeper financial trouble. Bills were originally due March 31, and unpaid balances are already accruing an additional 1.5 percent in interest each month. Beginning January 1, any remaining balance becomes delinquent, opening the door to liens, penalties, and escalating costs.
December 31 is also the due date for the first half of the 2026 Commercial Trash Fee, which applies to many small businesses, mixed-use, and multi-unit properties that rely on the City’s trash and recycling service. The annual fee is $500, with an option to pay $250 by December 31, 2025, and the remaining $250 by June 30, 2026, without interest or penalties.
City officials say property owners who are struggling to pay should not wait. The Department of Revenue offers several Real Estate Tax relief programs designed to lower bills or allow payments in installments. Assistance is available by calling (215) 686-6442, and residents can now apply online using a combined application that allows them to apply for multiple tax assistance programs at once. Information on the combined application is available through the City’s website.
For those unable to pay their full balance immediately, the City also offers payment plans, including the Owner-Occupied Payment Agreement, which allows eligible homeowners to pay monthly and stay current on their taxes.
Officials stress that paying in full remains the fastest way to resolve outstanding debt. Property owners can search for their property and securely pay any balance through the Philadelphia Tax Center using either an address or an Office of Property Assessment number. Payments can also be made by phone by calling (833) 913-0795 and following the automated prompts.
Commercial Trash Fee bills were mailed beginning November 1, and officials warn that failing to pay on time may result in added charges or referral to a collection agency. Payments can be made through the Philadelphia Tax Center by selecting the “Property” panel and locating the applicable account.
City officials are urging residents not to let unpaid taxes spill into the new year, warning that January 1 marks a turning point when balances become delinquent and enforcement actions can begin.
Property owners with questions or who need assistance are encouraged to call (215) 686-6442 for guidance before the December 31 deadline.
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