Philly tax collectors ‘smarter, tougher’ and more helpful

After years of struggling with its collections, Philadelphia’s Department of Revenue is becoming more efficient in gathering taxes.

Revenue Commissioner Frank Breslin said his staff has set up payment plans to get homeowners and businesses that have fallen behind on their taxes back on track.

“While we are making things easier for those who are doing the right thing or need assistance, we are getting smarter and tougher when it comes to identifying and collecting delinquent debts,” he said.

The department is also doing more to chase those with unpaid tax bills, Breslin said.

“We have launched a data warehouse that puts information from revenue other city agencies, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the IRS into one place,” he said. “So far, we have generated $19.8 million on new initiatives.”

Philadelphia will continue to expand electronic filing and electronic pay options as well, Breslin said.