City Of Philadelphia Office of Property Assessment - Philadelphia, PA

Office of Property Assessment (OPA)

Institution Overview

The City of Philadelphia Office of Property Assessment (OPA) is the independent agency responsible for determining the value of all real property within the city limits. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The OPA's assessments are critical as they form the basis for the Real Estate Tax bills issued by the Department of Revenue. The agency strives to ensure that all property values are accurate, fair, and uniform throughout the county, using mass appraisal techniques and market data 📉.

Key Services and Exemptions

Beyond valuation, the OPA administers several vital programs that can reduce a property owner's tax burden. These include:

• Homestead Exemption: A program that reduces the taxable portion of a property's assessment for owner-occupied primary residences.
• Tax Abatements: Incentives for new construction and rehabilitation of properties.
• LOOP (Longtime Owner Occupants Program): Protection for homeowners who have lived in their homes for many years and face rising assessments.
• Catastrophic Loss Adjustments: Adjustments for properties significantly damaged by fire or other disasters.

Appeals and Reviews

If a property owner believes their assessment is incorrect, the OPA offers a First Level Review (FLR). This is an informal administrative review process where owners can submit evidence to challenge the valuation before filing a formal appeal. Formal appeals are handled separately by the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT). The OPA's customer service center at the Curtis Center assists property owners with understanding their notices and filing applications for relief programs.

Visitor Information

The OPA is located in the Curtis Center, a historic office building facing Washington Square. Visitors should enter through the main lobby and proceed to Suite 300 W. As a government office housed in a major commercial building, security protocols are in place. Visitors may be required to show valid photo identification at the security desk. Walk-ins are welcome for general inquiries, but calling ahead or using online services is often more efficient for resolving complex assessment issues.