Legislation

Philadelphia to Impose Tax on Services Performed by Automated Devices Instead of Human Workers

Philadelphia to Tax Automated Services Replacing Human Workers, Including Delivery and Transportation Services. The new tax is aimed at generating revenue to mitigate the economic and public costs of automation.

260927

City Council Moves to Waive Parking Tax for Bus Loading Facilities Starting Next Spring

Bus loading facilities to escape parking tax starting next spring in Philadelphia. The change, effective May 1, 2026, would exempt these facilities from the city's Parking Tax under certain terms and conditions.

260507

Philadelphia Council Tackles Trust Tax Breaks Extending Low-Income Relief to More Property Owners Today

Councilmember Young's bill aims to extend low-income tax relief to trusts that own property benefiting a natural person, under specific conditions.

260387

Philadelphia Council Expands Tax Breaks for Low Income Seniors Held by Trusts Benefiting Family Members

Low-income seniors in Philadelphia may soon be eligible for tax breaks through trusts held by family members, under a new proposal from Councilmember Young. The change aims to provide relief to vulnerable residents and align with current city code provisions.

260388

City Council Votes to Expand Longtime Owner Tax Breaks to Include Trust-Owned Properties

Trust-owned homes now eligible for tax breaks under new city law, expanding exemption to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person under certain conditions.

260389

Philly City Council Moves to Levy New Hotel Room Rental Tax Starting Next Quarter

Hoteliers in Philadelphia face additional tax on room rentals starting next quarter under a new law proposed by Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. The extra excise tax will be levied on hotel rooms rented in the city.

260202

City Council Proposes Higher Fees for Philly Businesses Seeking Air Pollution Permits Daily

Philadelphia businesses could face higher fees for air pollution permits under a proposed change to the city's Air Management Code, with sponsors Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson backing the shift.

260204

Philadelphia Clarifies Cell Tower Rental Fee Under Realty Use and Occupancy Tax Law

Cell tower owners in Philadelphia must immediately pay rental fees based on market value, according to a new law clarifying how the Realty Use and Occupancy Tax applies to cell towers on private property.

260205

City Seeks To Simplify And Equalize Costly Asbestos Removal Fees For Homeowners And Businesses

City officials are revamping asbestos removal fees in an effort to make them more transparent and equitable for both homeowners and businesses. The changes aim to clarify and standardize requirements.

260206

Philly Slaps Fee on Ride-Hailing Fares Originating in City Limits Starting Today

Ride-hailing passengers in Philly will soon face a tax on their fares after City Council's vote authorizes the School District to levy the charge on prearranged rides originating within city limits.

260208

Philly Imposes 5% Tax on Delivery Fees for City Customers Today

Philadelphia imposes a new 5% tax on delivery fees for city customers. A 5% tax will now be applied to deliveries made directly to consumers within Philadelphia's city limits.

260209

Tax Exemptions for Inherited Properties with Liens Revised in Philadelphia Realty Transfer Tax Law

Homeowners who've inherited properties in Philly face new reality: under a proposed law change, those who inherit homes with outstanding mortgages or liens will no longer be exempt from paying taxes on the transfer. It could cost them thousands.

260021

City Council Proposes Cutting Taxes for Thousands of Small Businesses Across Philadelphia

Councilmember Driscoll and six colleagues propose exempting thousands of small businesses from paying a portion of the Business Income and Receipts Tax, under certain terms and conditions. Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs could benefit from the proposed tax break.

251026

Philadelphia Council Moves to Charge Intercity Buses for City Bus Stop Privileges

Intercity buses will be charged a fee for using bus loading zones and facilities in Philadelphia, with camera-based monitoring systems to enforce the new fee. A deal has been made with the city's Parking Authority for enforcement and collection of these fees.

250951

City Council Proposes Tax Relief for Local Child Care Providers to Boost Affordability

Philadelphia child care businesses may qualify for tax relief under a proposed city council ordinance aimed at making childcare more affordable for local families. The bill defines eligible providers as early childhood education centers.

250915

Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Streamline Tax Refunds for Struggling Renters Immediately

Low-income renters in Philadelphia could get refunds on overpaid taxes through rent under a new city plan that also requires landlords to provide documentation. Landlords would need to complete and return Rent Certificates or other necessary documents to help tenants apply for refunds.

250838

City Council Bill Exempts Thousands of Philly Apartment Renters from Paying Annual Development Fee

Philadelphia City Council Seeks to Boost Affordable Housing with Proposal Allowing Developers to Waive Fees for Non-Profit Projects, Advocates Say It's a Step Towards More Affordable Units but Critics Worry About Lost Revenue.

250707

City Council Moves to Give Big Boost to Live Music Scene with New Business Tax Break Proposal

City Council proposes tax break to incentivize businesses to hire local musicians, potentially boosting Philadelphia's live music scene. The credit would benefit merchants who meet certain requirements and hire Philadelphia-based performing artists.

250647

Philadelphia Council Seeks to Boost Homestead Tax Exclusion for Thousands of City Homeowners Daily

Philadelphia City Council seeks to increase the homestead tax break to $100,000 for thousands of city homeowners under certain terms and conditions. The change would affect property taxes starting with the 2025 tax year.

250380

City Council Unveils Plan to Boost Philly's Small Business Economy through Expanded Tax Credit Incentives

Philadelphia City Council proposes broadening eligibility for tax credits given to businesses that fund local development and healthy food initiatives in Philadelphia. The expanded program would provide more financial incentives for companies contributing to community organizations.

250324