Analysis of Policies to Help Low-Income Property Owners Cope with Rising Taxes Resulting from Higher Assessments

The Pennsylvania Economy League has long advocated a professional system of real estate tax assessment, whereby assessments would be kept up to date with changes in market value, on a uniform and equitable basis. The Economy League is therefore gratified to note that an agreement was reached in the spring of 1981 which should move Philadelphia toward such a system.

In this study, the Economy League discusses the need for property tax relief; looks at advantages and limitations of Pennsylvania’s circuit breaker law for senior citizens; reviews programs in other states; examines proposed legislation in Harrisburg and Philadelphia; and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives.