Philadelphia Tax Amnesty

Show Me the Money

With the nation and the world in the grips of one of the worst economic downturns in decades, Philadelphia’s Revenue Department was set to take aggressive action to help the City weather its own tough times—launching its first Tax Amnesty Program in decades. In fact, both the City and its School District were owed millions of dollars in unpaid tax principal, putting the City in budget crisis and critical City services in danger of being suspended or shut down indefinitely.

In October 2009, the Philadelphia City Council approved an ordinance which would allow a 54-day window of opportunity for tax delinquents to make good with the city by offering Philadelphia residents, workers, and businesses owing back-taxes the chance to have all penalties waived and to pay only half the interest owed. Star Group was selected from among four competing agencies for the project.