Housing (Property Taxes)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 11, 2026

HB 2732: An Act amending the act of July 7, 1947 (P.L.1368, No.542), known as the Real Estate Tax Sale Law, in sale of property, providing for protection of senior homeowners experiencing financial hardship.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2732 amends the Real Estate Tax Sale Law to prevent the forced sale of homes owned by seniors who are experiencing financial hardship. To qualify, an individual must be at least 65 years old, live in the property as their primary residence, and demonstrate that their household income is at or below the federal poverty level or that they face significant obstacles such as high medical costs or caregiving duties. If a homeowner applies for this protection before a court confirms a tax sale, the county tax bureau must pause all sale proceedings and work with the owner to create a written repayment plan for the delinquent taxes. This protection remains in effect until the property is sold, it is no longer the owner's primary home, or the owner passes away, though the estate may continue the repayment plan for up to twelve months after the owner's death.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents forced sale of homes for seniors in financial hardship, directly protecting property rights and housing stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Taxes Tags Seniors

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 4, 2026

HB 2727: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assessments of persons and property, providing for senior property tax freeze.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2727 authorizes local governments to offer a voluntary property tax freeze for seniors who are at least 65 years old, have lived in the state for five or more years, and meet specific income limits. Eligible homeowners can keep their real estate taxes fixed at the amount paid during a designated base year, provided they continue to meet financial criteria that are adjusted annually for inflation. The tax freeze applies only to a primary residence and transfers if the owner moves within the same local jurisdiction, but it ends when the property is sold or transferred. The state Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the program by creating a standardized application form and publishing annual reports on its performance and cost savings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax relief for seniors by freezing taxes, directly addressing taxation and fiscal policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingThe bill provides a property tax freeze for seniors, which protects their financial stability and ability to remain in their primary residences.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Property Tax Property Development Property Taxes Tags Seniors

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 29, 2026

HB 2679: An Act amending the act of June 27, 2006 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act, in senior citizens property tax and rent rebate assistance, further providing for filing and payment of claim.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to change the deadline for senior citizens to apply for property tax and rent rebates. Under the new rules, eligible individuals must file their claims by December 31 of the year following the tax year, replacing the previous June 30 cutoff. The legislation also removes the requirement that late-filed claims be accepted only if funds are available, allowing the state to process applications submitted after the deadline. These changes directly affect elderly Pennsylvanians seeking financial assistance and streamline the administrative process for the state department handling these claims.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill extends property tax and rent rebate deadlines for seniors, providing continued tax relief and financial assistance to eligible low-income individuals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill extends property tax and rent rebate deadlines for seniors, increasing access to housing assistance funds and protecting affordability.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Renters Tags Seniors

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 8, 2026

SB 1277: An Act amending the act of December 1, 1977 (P.L.237, No.76), known as the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act, further providing for title of act, for construction, for definitions and for deteriorated areas; providing for ordinance and resolution limitations; further providing for exemption schedule and for procedure for obtaining exemption; and providing for public registry.

SB 1277 amends Pennsylvania's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act to update how local governments can offer property tax exemptions for deteriorated buildings and new construction in economically depressed areas. The bill clarifies definitions to include various types of distressed properties, such as those ordered vacated or demolished, and expands the scope to cover mixed-use and converted residential structures. It also establishes a public registry for these exemptions and requires local authorities to hold at least one public hearing before designating specific areas as deteriorated. Ultimately, the legislation provides a standardized framework for municipalities to implement tax relief aimed at revitalizing struggling neighborhoods.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands property tax exemptions for distressed properties, providing tax relief and revitalizing local economies.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands tax exemptions for deteriorated and new housing in distressed areas, aiding affordable housing development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 1299: An Act providing for a tax credit for retrofitting residential high-rise structures with an automatic fire sprinkler system and associated monitoring or detection devices.

This Pennsylvania legislation establishes a tax credit for owners of residential high-rise buildings located in major cities. The credit is designed to offset the costs of installing or upgrading automatic fire sprinkler systems and associated monitoring equipment within these structures. Owners may receive a credit equal to the amount spent on the retrofitting or up to 100% of their income tax liability, whichever is less. The Office of the Mayor in the respective city will administer the program and determine which buildings qualify as high-rise structures. The tax credit becomes available for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides a tax credit to offset retrofitting costs, offering direct tax relief and fiscal incentives for property owners.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds safety retrofits for high-rise housing, protecting tenant safety and preserving existing housing stock.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 457: A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the feasibility of eliminating property taxes for certain seniors in this Commonwealth.

This House Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study whether Pennsylvania could eliminate property taxes for some seniors. The study will examine options like exempting low-income seniors from property taxes, creating a graduated tax scale based on income, and identifying ways to prevent fraud. It also requires the committee to find alternative funding sources for local governments if property tax relief is implemented. The committee must submit its findings to the General Assembly within 120 days. The resolution does not change any laws but initiates a review of potential property tax relief for older Pennsylvanians.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes property tax relief for seniors, providing tax breaks to lower-income groups while requiring alternative funding analysis for local governments.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill studies property tax elimination for seniors, which could increase affordable housing access for elderly populations75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Tags Seniors

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 9, 2026

HB 2202: An Act amending the act of June 27, 2006 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act, in senior citizens property tax and rent rebate assistance, further providing for definitions and for proof of claim.

HB 2202 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to adjust how senior citizens calculate household income for property tax and rent rebates. It changes the definition of "household income" to allow seniors to subtract annual utility expenses (water, sewer, electric, natural gas) from their income when applying. The bill also requires applicants to submit copies of their utility bills as part of their rebate claim. This directly affects Pennsylvania seniors who claim property tax or rent rebates under the Taxpayer Relief Act. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAmends rebate calculation to include utility deductions, providing direct tax relief to seniors by lowering taxable income for eligibility.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows seniors to deduct utility costs from income for property tax/rent rebates, increasing affordability for low-income seniors under housing assistance program.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Renters Tags Seniors

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 23, 2025

HB 286: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assessments of persons and property, providing for senior citizen property tax freeze.

HB 286 allows Pennsylvania seniors meeting specific criteria to lock their property tax payments at the "base year" amount. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old (or meet widow/widower/disabled criteria), live in their home for 10+ years, and have household income under $45,000 annually. Political subdivisions would implement the program through annual applications requiring proof of ownership, tax payment history, and income eligibility. The Department of Revenue would track participation and submit a legislative report by 2030.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax freeze for seniors with income under $45k, offering tax relief to lower-income group per bill's eligibility criteria.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax freeze for seniors, preventing housing cost increases for vulnerable homeowners and promoting housing stability within affordable housing framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 1124: An Act amending the act of June 27, 2006 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act, in senior citizens property tax and rent rebate assistance, further providing for definitions.

HB 1124 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to protect eligible seniors from losing property tax or rent rebates due to automatic Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). It directly affects seniors currently receiving these rebates who exceed income limits solely because of COLAs. The bill modifies the definition of "income" to specifically state that seniors eligible as of December 31, 2024, remain eligible if their income limit is exceeded only due to Social Security COLAs. This exception applies until December 31, 2028. The change ensures these seniors maintain their rebate eligibility during temporary income spikes caused by federal COLAs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAmends tax relief act to protect seniors from losing rebates due to Social Security COLAs, directly providing tax relief by maintaining eligibility through income definition changes.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects seniors from losing property tax/rent rebates due to Social Security COLAs, maintaining housing affordability for vulnerable residents.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Renters

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 22, 2025

HB 219: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in realty transfer tax, further providing for excluded transactions.

HB 219 amends Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax law to exclude transfers of real estate to members of the armed forces relocating for duty. The exclusion applies when the military member provides final orders showing they will be stationed in Pennsylvania or a contiguous state and intends to reside in the transferred single-family home as their primary residence. This means such property transfers will not incur the realty transfer tax, directly benefiting military personnel moving to Pennsylvania for service. The bill creates a clear, objective tax exemption for these specific relocation scenarios.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExcludes military relocations from realty transfer tax, providing tax relief for service members as a targeted tax benefit.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts military personnel from realty transfer tax when buying primary residence, reducing housing costs and advancing affordable housing access for this group.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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