Taxes

The Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting all taxes imposed by the City and School District of Philadelphia.

In order to conduct business in Philadelphia you must do the following:

1. Apply for a Business Tax Account Number. Call 215-686-6600 or visit the Municipal Services Building, Public Concourse Level, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. If you are doing business in Philadelphia for the first time, tell the Customer Representative. You will receive a packet of information which will explain what and when you need to file.
2. Obtain a Business Privilege License. You can obtain the license from the Department of Licenses & Inspections at the Municipal Services Building, Public Concourse Level, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard or call 215-686-2490. The lifetime license fee is currently $250. A three consecutive day permit is also available at a cost of $100. Visit http://www.phila.gov/revenue to view applications online, register new business ventures and pay for a business license with a credit card.
3. If you have employees you must withhold the City Wage Tax. If you need help in determining how often you must file and pay the Wage Tax, visit the Taxpayer Service unit at the Municipal Services Building, Public Concourse Level, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard or call 215-686-6600.
4. If you hire independent contractors, they must also have a Business Tax Account Number and Business Privilege License.
5. Persons with questions regarding city taxes should contact the Technical Advisory Staff of the Department of Revenue at 215-686-6433.