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September 13, 2023
TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA:
I am hereby returning without my signature Bill Number 230419, which was passed by Council at its session on June 22, 2023. Bill No. 230419 amends Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to require notices of property assessed value and real estate tax liability, include information on the availability and application process for Income-based payment agreements, Homestead, Tax exemption for Long-time Owner Occupants and other tax relief programs.
The Administration is committed to ensuring that Philadelphia homeowners understand all options to reduce their Real Estate Tax liabilities and manage delinquent balances. The Department of Revenue already includes information about Real Estate Tax assistance and income-based payment agreements in annual bills and in letters to property owners who are at risk of tax foreclosure.
The Administration supports a legislative requirement to include this information with annual Real Estate Tax bills. Including this information with Notices of Valuation, sent by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA), however, could create confusion for property owners. There is concern that the additional information and notices, if sent by the OPA, could cause homeowners to inadvertently overlook the opportunity to appeal their property assessment in a timely manner.
The Administration believes that changes to the bill would allow for a clearer strategy. For this reason, I am returning without my signature Bill Number 230419.
Respectfully,
JAMES F. KENNEY
Mayor
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