This bureau involves the administration of various taxes and user charges levied by the City, in accordance with appropriate enabling legislation. It also involves enforcement activities directed at collecting delinquent taxes, user charges and miscellaneous invoices, as well as audits conducted to ensure all business-related taxes payable to the City are calculated properly and paid timely.

Significant activities include: billing, file maintenance, receipt reconciliation and taxpayer assistance.

Collection procedures include: delinquent letters, certified letters, civil complaint actions, non-traffic violations, and private collection agency utilization.

Taxes

Real estate taxes, garbage, and stormwater fees (if applicable) are billed each year on or before February 1st.

In accordance with state law, the City offers a 2% discount on the real estate tax portion only, if paid in full on or before April 5th.

If discount period is missed, the gross tax is due on or before July 15th.

A penalty of 10% is assessed on all unpaid taxes and fees as of July 16th and must be received by December 31st.

The real estate taxes and fees may be paid in installments in which ¼ of the entire bill is paid by the following due dates:

• April 15th
• May 15th
• June 15th
• July 15th

A property owner electing to use the installment option shall make the first payment no later than April 15th.

Business License & Business Privilege Tax: Any person desiring to conduct, transact, or engage in any business, trade, profession or other activity within the City shall obtain a business license. The business license is issued on an annual basis, expiring on December 31st of the year of issuance.

The business privilege tax is levied annually on the privilege of doing business as defined by Chapter 570, Article I of the City’s General Legislation and the City’s Business Privilege Tax Regulations.

Tax Certifications

A completed Tax Certification Request Form may be directed to the following:

City of Allentown
Room 215
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101

Please include the following with your request:

• Property location
• Valid email address or self-addressed stamped envelope
• Service fee of $30