Pennsylvania · Property tax exemptions for seniors · Updated Oct 2026
Pennsylvania property tax exemptions for seniors (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for older homeowners in Pennsylvania that our guide lists: extra exemptions, freezes, deferrals and age-based credits. What each is worth, the starting age, the income limit, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for seniors in Pennsylvania is the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze (Philadelphia only). Freezes your Philadelphia Real Estate Tax bill at the amount from the year you qualify, so it does not go up when your assessment or the tax rate rises.
Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze (Philadelphia only)
Freezes your Philadelphia Real Estate Tax bill at the amount from the year you qualify, so it does not go up when your assessment or the tax rate rises.
Who qualifies
Philadelphia homeowners who live in the home and are 65 or older, or live with a spouse 65 or older, or are 50 or older and were married to someone who was 65 or older when they died, with total income of $33,500 or less (single) or $41,500 or less (married) for 2022 and later years.
Income limit
$33,500 single / $41,500 married (applies for 2022 and later years)
How to apply
File the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze application with the Philadelphia Department of Revenue with proof of income for your first eligible year.
A yearly state rebate of $380 to $1,000 based on income. Homeowners with income of $32,070 or less get an automatic supplement of $190 to $500 (up to $1,500 total) if their property taxes are more than 15% of income, or if they live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Scranton.
Who qualifies
Pennsylvania homeowners (or renters) who are 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, or people with disabilities 18 or older, with household income of $48,110 or less. Rebate tiers: $0-$8,550 income up to $1,000; $8,551-$16,040 up to $770; $16,041-$19,240 up to $460; $19,241-$48,110 $380.
Income limit
$48,110 household income per year (current program year)
How to apply
Apply online with myPATH (English or Spanish), by mail on Form PA-1000, or in person with free help at a Revenue district office, Area Agency on Aging, senior center or legislator's office. Include proof of age or disability, proof of income, and your property tax receipts.
File the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze application with the Philadelphia Department of Revenue with proof of income for your first eligible year.
Apply online with myPATH (English or Spanish), by mail on Form PA-1000, or in person with free help at a Revenue district office, Area Agency on Aging, senior center or legislator's office.
Include proof of age or disability, proof of income, and your property tax receipts.
Deadline: The 2025 claim year is due December 31, 2026 (deadline extended by the Department of Revenue; the statutory date is June 30).
Renewal: Every year
Savings estimate for Pennsylvania
None of these breaks is one fixed dollar amount taken off your home's value, so we can't estimate the savings here. What each one is worth is on its card above.
Eligibility finder for Pennsylvania
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for seniors: you own and live in the home, age 65. Change any answer to your own.
Document checklist for Pennsylvania
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about seniors property tax breaks in Pennsylvania
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for seniors in Pennsylvania?
Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze (Philadelphia only): Philadelphia homeowners who live in the home and are 65 or older, or live with a spouse 65 or older, or are 50 or older and were married to someone who was 65 or older when they died, with total income of $33,500 or less (single) or $41,500 or less (married) for 2022 and later years. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: Pennsylvania homeowners (or renters) who are 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, or people with disabilities 18 or older, with household income of $48,110 or less. Rebate tiers: $0-$8,550 income up to $1,000; $8,551-$16,040 up to $770; $16,041-$19,240 up to $460; $19,241-$48,110 $380.
Is there an income limit for seniors' property tax breaks in Pennsylvania?
Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze (Philadelphia only): $33,500 single / $41,500 married (applies for 2022 and later years) Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: $48,110 household income per year (current program year)
When is the deadline for seniors to apply in Pennsylvania?
Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze (Philadelphia only): September 30 of each year (Philadelphia). Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: The 2025 claim year is due December 31, 2026 (deadline extended by the Department of Revenue; the statutory date is June 30).
Do seniors have to reapply every year in Pennsylvania?
Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze (Philadelphia only): Once enrolled, you are re-enrolled automatically each year; you must reapply if your deed changes for any reason. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: Every year.
Where do seniors apply for property tax breaks in Pennsylvania?
Your county assessment office takes applications for the homestead exclusion, and your school district (and in some places the county or city) sets how much it is worth. In Philadelphia, the city Department of Revenue runs the homestead exemption. Disabled veterans apply through their County Director of Veterans Affairs; the Property Tax/Rent Rebate is run by the PA Department of Revenue. For the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze (Philadelphia only): File the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze application with the Philadelphia Department of Revenue with proof of income for your first eligible year.