Tax payment plan possible for some Philly property owners

Philadelphia property owners who cannot afford their tax bills all at once may be allowed to pay in monthly installments, following passage of a bill in City Council. 

Councilman Bill Green, who introduced the bill, said it would give taxpayers the ability to set up a payment plan based on their income level.

“So people who are needy can get into a payment plan and keep their homes,” he said Thursday. “And people who are scofflaws, people who are breaking the law, people who are landlords, people who are just sitting on properties and not paying their taxes, there will be sure quick consequences for them– foreclosure within one year.”

The goal is to help the people who are in need, said Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez, and crack down on those who buy properties and hold on to them without paying their taxes for years — in the hopes the properties become valuable enough to sell a profit.

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“Speculation will not be allowed in the city of Philadelphia,” she said. “If you are not going to be a responsible investor, we are going to come after you and take your property from you.”

Council members say they hope the collection, along with the crackdown efforts, will mean more money for the city and schools.

 

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