Higher property taxes for a good cause
As a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, and a 52-year resident of my present home, I read with great interest the report by Mark Zimmaro on the upcoming rise in property taxes (“Property taxes are on the rise,” Aug. 14). I can confirm his report’s accuracy since I recently received, from the Office of Property Assessment, my Notice of Evaluation for 2025. Of course, as expected, the assessed value of my home went up.
It is fortunate for homeowners like me that the city also has a plan for tax relief. Zimmaro lists all the conditions for offsetting the effect of increased property values. Fortunately, I am one of those who qualify for the Long Time Owner Occupants Program or LOOP. That means that I get to pay the same tax bill as last year, even though my property value increased. That is a big relief for someone like me – a retiree on a fixed income.
I was glad to read that all other homeowners can apply for other plans like the Homestead Exemption that reduces the amount of taxable land.
Another senior benefit is the Real Estate Tax Installment Plan ,which really helps those who qualify to spread their tax payments. Other homeowners may also apply.
What pleases me most about all this is the goal of this entire tax plan: Mayor Parker wants to direct more tax revenue to our struggling schools. She and other officials expect to raise a total of about $240 million over the next five years just to help the school district meet its goals. Everyone knows how much the buildings alone have deteriorated over the many decades since they were first constructed. If we want to keep providing safe, well-stocked schools for the next generation, we need revenue plans directed expressly for that purpose.
The bottom line here is that even a rising property value/tax plan can be both fair and beneficial. Thanks to Mark Zimmaro for listing all the details that make this plan meet that challenge. His report makes the whole plan clear and totally understandable. Thanks also to Mayor Parker and city officials at the Office of Property Assessment for doing their job.
Gloria C. Endres
